Tobin Heath, Alex Morgan and Carli Lloyd helped make sure there was very little drama in the USWNT’s Olympic berth clinching win over Trinidad and Tobago.
The trio scored in the first half as the U.S. built a big lead in their CONCACAF Olympic qualifying semifinal, and Morgan added two more for a hat trick. The Yanks cruised to a 5-0 win on Friday in Houston.
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The win also sets up an intriguing CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament final between the U.S. and Canada on Sunday (Stream online at 5 p.m. ET via Live Extra).
Canada defeated Costa Rica 3-1 in the other semifinal and will also represent CONCACAF in Rio this summer.
How was the first half? Lopsided:A dominant first half for @ussoccer_wnt #USAvTRI pic.twitter.com/llOtTDkVzZ
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 20, 2016
Mallory Pugh continued her fine play, as the 17-year-old zipped down the left flank before sending a grounder through the 18 that Heath buried to make it 1-0.
The Yanks carried the play in a big way and could’ve had this looking like a blowout within the first 20 minutes, but the result would have to wait.
Lloyd set up Morgan, who had her shot saved. Pugh passed the wide-open rebound wide of the goal.
Morgan tapped in a goal in the 30th minute for the 60th goal of her career and the U.S. had some comfort.WATCH: @alexmorgan13 doubles @ussoccer_wnt‘s lead vs. Trinidad and Tobago. 2-0 now for #USWNT. https://t.co/Ye7q1AgT6Y
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 20, 2016
The directive was clearly to shoot, as Lloyd and Morgan both had shots saved on odd-player rushes. And Lloyd chose her right foot over left and missed a tap-in that bordered on “sitter”.
Lloyd headed a ball that T&T keeper Kimika Forbes, solid up the 43rd minute, completely whiffed on catching and allowed between her legs.
Morgan picked up a pair of goals between the 71st and 73rd minutes to make it academic.We’re going to @Rio2016_en! #USWNT qualifies for sixth straight @Olympics. pic.twitter.com/FaVdIXwcDv
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) February 20, 2016
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