(# World Ranking)
Group A:
#35 Mexico 0–0 #31 Argentina
Mexico battered at the door but Rebeca Bernal’s 9th minute miss from the penalty spot proved to be costly. Argentina only managed two shots on target.
#2 USA 5–0 #107 Dominican Republic
Good play by a US team, led by two goals from debutant Olivia Moultrie and three assists from Midge Purce. On the other hand, this was a solid performance by the DR, to limit the US to three goals from open play. Two PKs in one game? Yeah, both on review. One was unfortunate, with Brianne Reed stepping on an American foot to concede the kick. The other PK, also called against Reed, was more blatant as she mistimed a slide tackle.
Group B:
#55 Panama 0–6 #23 Colombia
Manuela Pavi Sepulveda and Catalina Usme carved up the Canaleros, as a balanced attack scored three times in each half. Manuela Vanegas, an own goal and Linda Caicedo also got on the scoresheet. Vanegas’s one touch goal from a curving ball into the box by Usme and Caicedo’s solo dribble through a congested Panamanian penalty area were the pick of the bunch.
#11 Brasil 1–0 #103 Puerto Rico
An exhibit on how a low-scoring game can be captivating. Puerto Rico flew into blocks and Sydney Martinez jumped and dove for her life, conceding 14 corners in the process but it took Brasil 81 minutes to break the deadlock. The winning goal was a long ball into the left back berth, crossed into the danger area by Adriana, and converted by Gabi Nunes.
Group C:
#43 Costa Rica 0–1 #50 Paraguay
After being outpossessed and outplayed for the first half, Paraguay emerged for the second half with fire in their bellies and Lice Chamorro swept home a Dahiana Bogarin free kick on the six yard line to provide the game’s only goal. The final few minutes were a midfield battle with neither side able to really assert themselves, a fate which obviously favored the South Americans.
#10 Canada 6–0 #104 El Salvador
The Olympic champions open their Gold Cup account in convincing fashion, with goals and control across their starters and their subs. Cloe Lacasse, Jordyn Huitema, Kadeisha Buchanan, two goals from Adriana Leon (one from the penalty spot) and an open play goal from set-piece specialist Olivia Smith showcased the team’s depth.
