On Monday, for the 43rd time, the United States women’s national team took the field against Mexico.
A few hours later, for the first time in 14 years and just the second time ever, Mexico walked off the field victorious. The U.S.’s 2-0 loss in the inaugural Concacaf W Gold Cup group stage sent shockwaves across the women’s soccer world – it was a true statement of intent by an emerging Mexico team and a red flag for a United States team very much in the middle of a transition period as they wait for Emma Hayes to arrive.
What went wrong for the United States, even as they progressed to the Gold Cup’s knockout rounds? And what does it mean moving forward?
