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Carli Lloyd scored twice and Tobin Heath had a
goal and two assists as the U.S. ran its unbeaten streak to
18-0-3 in the past 21 matches, including 11-0-2 in 2018.
Heath assisted on the opening goal by Mallory Pugh in the 34th
minute, then made it 2-0 four minutes later and had her free
kick headed in by Lloyd in the 47th minute. Lloyd scored again
in the third minute of second-half stoppage time.
The U.S. is a heavy favorite to win the CONCACAF region
qualifier to advance to the 2019 World Cup in France in June,
where the Americans will defend their title.
The Americans begin Group A play on Oct. 4 vs. Mexico before
facing Panama (Oct. 7) and Trinidad and Tobago (Oct. 10). All
three games will be held in Cary, N.C.
The U.S., which defeated Chile 3-0 in Carson, Calif., on Friday
in the sides' first-ever meeting, dominated again despite the
effort of Chilean goalkeeper Christiane Endler.
On the first goal, she made a diving save on a penalty kick by
Alex Morgan, but the ball went to Heath, who she chipped a cross
for Pugh to finish her 12th international goal.
In the 37th minute, Endler made a stop of a Rose Lavelle attempt
off Heath's setup. A minute later, Tierna Davidson sent Heath
through, and Heath fired a shot underneath the bar. Heath has 21
goals for the U.S. team.
Lloyd added her 101st goal moments after replacing Pugh at
halftime. Lloyd moved into fifth place all-time on the U.S.
scoring list ahead of Tiffeny Milbrett, and then she added to
her total just before the final whistle.
Endler, who made eight saves, robbed Crystal Dunn in the 61st
minute with a lunging stop.
The U.S. had a 24-4 shot advantage. Ashlyn Harris made one save
for in the U.S. goal.
--Field Level Media
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