Women’s World Cup Qualifying: U.S. Beats Costa Rica, Takes Third In CONCACAF Qualifying

If you were wondering what a Women’s World Cup would be like without the U.S. participating, you’ll have put those images on hold at least a little longer.

Abby Wambach scored two goals and the U.S. dispatched of Costa Rica 3-0 on Monday to take third in the CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament and set up a two-legged playoff with Italy for a spot in the 2011 World Cup.

It didn’t take long for the USWNT to find the back of the net, as Lauren Cheney started the process for her team of recovering from a massive upset against Mexico.

Cheney’s goal was a bit of a gift, as she did not catch her strike cleanly from about 15 yards from goal. Her shot took a deflection off of a defender and rolled slowly into the back of the net thanks to a very early commitment to the ground by Costa Rica’s goalkeeper. The United States had got off to a bit of a slow start, failing to create any clear-cut chances, but their early goal, scored inside of 20 minutes, has settled them down considerably.

Not only is negative news surrounding the WPS, but now the U.S. Women’s National Team is in danger of missing the World Cup for the first time ever.

The first bit of news, while unfortunate, is not entirely surprising.