The U.S. Women’s National Team finished atop Group A at the 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship, securing nine points and a 3-0-0 record after a 10-0 shutout of Puerto Rico at Toyota Stadium.
Crystal Dunn scored five goals in the match – a brace in the first half and three in the second – to lead the way for the USA. Dunn’s performance ties a U.S. WNT record for most goals scored in a match as she became the seventh player to achieve the feat in the 31 years of the WNT program.
Captain Carli Lloyd and Kelley O’Hara added a goal each to put the U.S. up 4-0 at the half. In the second half the USA added three goals in a span of one minute and 56 seconds, beginning with an own goal from Puerto Rico’s Ashley Rivera, followed by scores from Dunn and Christen Press. Samantha Mewis wrapped up the scoring in stoppage time with her first international goal.
Earlier in the day, Costa Rica defeated Mexico 2-1 in Group A action to finish second in Group A with six points and advance to the semifinal round where it will play the winner of Group B.
The USA now travels to Houston for the semifinal match on Feb. 19. Its opponent will be determined tomorrow following the conclusion of the Guyana vs. Trinidad & Tobago match in Group B. Guyana needs a win or a tie to advance, while Trinidad & Tobago needs to win to secure a place in the semifinals. The winners of the semifinal matches qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
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