5-star Dunn helps US rout of Puerto Rico

AP, FRISCO (TEXAS): The US women’s soccer team’s younger reserves not only didn’t disappoint in their Group A finale in CONCACAF qualifying for the Rio Olympics, they delivered a record performance.
Crystal Dunn, one of only three regulars to start, tied a national team record with five goals and the US routed Puerto Rico 10-0 Monday night to win the group.
“I’d like to think this is a special moment,” said Dunn, who couldn’t recall another five-goal game during her entire soccer career, “but I’d love to think there’s more to come.”
“Crystal worked real hard tonight,” US coach Jill Ellis said. “She was in a good position in central; I think that’s probably her most comfortable position. Obviously, got a lot of service from her teammates. It’s tremendous for her and for her confidence.”
The top-ranked Americans scored three times within 1:56 during the second half and outshot Puerto Rico 32-1.
The US can clinch one of the 12 slots in Brazil with a win in its CONCACAF semifinal game Friday in Houston. It will face the runner-up of Group B, which will finish play Tuesday. Canada is expected to win that group with Guyana or Trinidad & Tobago finishing second.
The US remained unbeaten in all-time CONCACAF qualifying play at 16-0-1, having scored 91 goals and allowing four.
The tournament is the Americans’ first competitive play since winning last summer’s World Cup in Canada. They have won three straight Olympic titles and four of the five that have been staged in women’s soccer.
Group A’s other semifinalist is Costa Rica, which edged Mexico 2-1 in Monday’s first game at Toyota Stadium.
Dunn’s scores came in the sixth, 21st, 62nd, 85th and 87th minutes. She had five career goals going into the game and became the seventh US woman to score five in a match.
The other five goals came from Carli Lloyd (on a penalty kick), Kelley O’Hara, Christen Press, Samantha Mewis (her first career score) and on an own goal.
Ellis’ opening lineup included eight players who didn’t start either of the two previous group games and only five players who appeared in last summer’s World Cup. The lineup was drastically changed since the team had already clinched a semifinal spot, was playing for the third time in five days and faced an opponent ranked No. 108.
Alex Morgan played only the second half, substituting for Lloyd. Goalkeeper Hope Solo was among the regular starters rested.
The newcomers including Mallory Pugh, 17, the youngest American woman to start a qualifying match. Pugh assisted on Dunn’s first goal and was tripped in the 18th minute, leading to Lloyd’s penalty kick.
“As the game kind of went on, I kind of got more comfortable with the ball,” Pugh said. “I think that the fact that my teammates around me are so positive, that helps.”
“This squad that we started today was obviously young,” Dunn said. “I think it was really great for everyone to get some time today.”

5-star Dunn helps US rout of Puerto Rico

AP, FRISCO (TEXAS): The US womens soccer teams younger reserves not only didnt disappoint in their Group A finale in CONCACAF qualifying for the Rio Olympics, they delivered a record performance. Crystal Dunn, one of only three regulars to start, tied a national team record with five goals and the US routed Puerto Rico 10-0 Monday night to win the group. Id like to think this is a special moment, said Dunn, who couldnt recall another five-goal game during her entire soccer career, but Id love to think theres more to come. Crystal worked real hard tonight, US coach Jill Ellis said. She was in a good position in central; I think thats probably her most comfortable position. Obviously, got a lot of service from her teammates. Its tremendous for her and for her confidence. The top-ranked Americans scored three times within 1:56 during the second half and outshot Puerto Rico 32-1. The US can clinch one of the 12 slots in Brazil with a win in its CONCACAF semifinal game Friday in Houston. It will face the runner-up of Group B, which will finish play Tuesday. Canada is expected to win that group with Guyana or Trinidad Tobago finishing second. The US remained unbeaten in all-time CONCACAF qualifying play at 16-0-1, having scored 91 goals and allowing four. The tournament is the Americans first competitive play since winning last summers World Cup in Canada. They have won three straight Olympic titles and four of the five that have been staged in womens soccer. Group As other semifinalist is Costa Rica, which edged Mexico 2-1 in Mondays first game at Toyota Stadium. Dunns scores came in the sixth, 21st, 62nd, 85th and 87th minutes. She had five career goals going into the game and became the seventh US woman to score five in a match. The other five goals came from Carli Lloyd (on a penalty kick), Kelley OHara, Christen Press, Samantha Mewis (her first career score) and on an own goal. Ellis opening lineup included eight players who didnt start either of the two previous group games and only five players who appeared in last summers World Cup. The lineup was drastically changed since the team had already clinched a semifinal spot, was playing for the third time in five days and faced an opponent ranked No. 108. Alex Morgan played only the second half, substituting for Lloyd. Goalkeeper Hope Solo was among the regular starters rested. The newcomers including Mallory Pugh, 17, the youngest American woman to start a qualifying match. Pugh assisted on Dunns first goal and was tripped in the 18th minute, leading to Lloyds penalty kick. As the game kind of went on, I kind of got more comfortable with the ball, Pugh said. I think that the fact that my teammates around me are so positive, that helps. This squad that we started today was obviously young, Dunn said. I think it was really great for everyone to get some time today.