<p>The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) kicked up their two-match friendly series against Mexico at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, as the 2024 Olympics loom close. </p>



<p>When <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/hayes-to-have-higher-expectations-than-her-usmnt-counterpart/">Emma Hayes</a> took over, many wondered whether the team’s performance would improve under her watch.</p>



<p>This youthful squad still has a long way to go before they can return to their world-beating prowess. However, <a href="https://www.ussoccer.com/competitions/uswnt-friendlies-2024/matches/united-states-vs-mexico-7-13-red-bull-arena-tickets-score-result-lineups-goals-highlights" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">their 1-0 win</a> should serve as some comfort.</p>



<p>The match began with a brief defensive phase before the Stars and Stripes stepped into an attacking role, creating several opportunities. </p>



<p>However, Mexico’s fast and physical play, characterized by a high press, thwarted many attempts to play out of the back. Neither team was able to find the final quality to finish in the first half, leading to a scoreless draw at halftime.</p>



<p>The second half mirrored the first in its tempo and intensity. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/uswnt-tv-schedule/">USWNT</a> continued to generate the lion’s share of chances; with a Trinity Rodman deflection going just wide and Sophia Smith unable to convert in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. </p>



<p>Mexico, too, pressed forward but failed to break the deadlock.</p>



<p>The breakthrough came in the 63rd minute with a <a href="https://x.com/USWNT/status/1812250664195522641" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cool conversion from Smith</a>. Rose Lavelle initiated the play with a long ball to a sprinting Rodman, who then passed to Mallory Swanson; before Smith received the ball in the top corner of the box. </p>



<p>The 20-goal striker took a few touches before firing her shot into the far corner, scoring the only goal of the match.</p>



<h2>USWNT’s struggles and tactical adjustments</h2>



<p>Despite the victory, the match highlighted the USWNT’s struggle to break down La Tri’s high press. Stronger opponents could force more turnovers and capitalize on counter-attacks.</p>



<p>Emma Hayes, a tactician known for her strategic depth, is likely mapping out solutions to such tactical challenges. Thus, she is potentially relying on wide long balls to bypass multiple lines of defense.</p>



<p>The team’s failure to capitalize on chances remains a significant concern. The ratio of one goal from six shots on target out of 17 total attempts is far from ideal, especially in tournament play where margins are often narrower. Hayes addressed this, <a href="https://africa.espn.com/football/story/_/id/40556437/usa-win-mexico-progress-2024-paris-olympics-emma-hayes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">saying</a>, </p>



<p>“We really started the game really well so it was a good intensity, great chances. I think we rushed that play a little and [the] intention is good. I can’t fault, criticize the players for that, but it’s teaching them the right moments.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="436" height="522" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240714_WST_516423_image-10_28ae2670.webp&amp;width=436&amp;height=522" alt="" class="wp-image-516488" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/image-10.png 436w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/image-10-251x300.png 251w" sizes="(max-width: 436px) 100vw, 436px"></figure><figcaption>Emma Haye’s team are warming up for the 2024 Olympics.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What’s next for Emma Hayes and her players?</h2>



<p>The USWNT’s next match is on Tuesday, July 16, against Costa Rica at Washington, D.C.’s Audi Field. This friendly is crucial for refining their tactics before heading to the Olympic Games.</p>



<p>The team’s identity has historically been tied to an attacking philosophy. Despite their recent struggles, the 1-0 win over Mexico offered signs of progress. Hayes is committed to ensuring her team’s attack is multifaceted and tactically versatile, as she noted, “My job is to put us in the best possible positions and being versatile within the game.”</p>



<p>As the team continues to fine-tune their strategies and build cohesion, the anticipation for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/olympics-soccer-schedule-and-tv-guide/">Olympics</a> grows. The USWNT aims to leave behind their World Cup disappointments and prove themselves on the Olympic stage, beginning July 25 against Zambia.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire</p>

Improved USWNT win hard-fought 1-0 victory against Mexico

The USWNT kicked up their two-match friendly series against Mexico at Red Bull Arena as the 2024 Olympics loom close.

Improved USWNT win hard-fought 1-0 victory against Mexico - World Soccer Talk

<div id="attachment_363857" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-363857" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images</p></div>
<p>Fans and critics alike use attendance as the barometer for popularity of soccer in the United States.</p>
<p>On one hand, supporters of the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/23/usmnt-annual-attendance-show-8-increase-since-2019/#comments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USMNT</a> decry the falling attendance numbers of recent years. On the other, the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/27/uswnt-attendance-in-2021-dips-due-to-covid-lack-of-success/#comments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USWNT</a> points out its consistent gains in attendance throughout various lawsuits against US Soccer. Of course, these both flipped in 2021, and much of that comes from the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>
<p>A myriad of MLS clubs trumpet the large crowds drawn in recent seasons. Again, this applies mainly to American teams.</p>
<p>One team that does not tout attendance numbers is the Mexican National Team. The nation frequently draw so well that the numbers speak for themselves. In fact, there have been several articles in the past written going so far as to call El Tri “America’s Team.” From a purely people-in-seats perspective, there’s really no argument against it.</p>
<h3>Mexico attendance in 2021</h3>
<p>The majority of Mexico’s games happened in the United States. Whether that be because of COVID-19 restrictions or a pair of competitions, the Mexicans only played two games in their native country that actually had fans in attendance. Those two games came in World Cup Qualifiers within four days of each other at the Azteca.</p>
<p>Regardless, the following attendance chart shows the Mexican games played in the United States. Some of these are ‘neutral site’ games, while others do feature the USMNT. Inherently, that makes it a home game for the Americans, but we know how well the Mexico fans travel when the two countries play.</p>
<p>Here’s how Mexico’s attendance in the US looked in 2021.</p>
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<table class="tableizer-table">
<thead>
<tr class="tableizer-firstrow">
<th>Date</th>
<th>Competition</th>
<th>Opponent</th>
<th>Stadium</th>
<th>City</th>
<th>Attendance</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>May. 29</td>
<td>Friendly</td>
<td>Iceland</td>
<td>AT&amp;T Stadium</td>
<td>Dallas, TX</td>
<td>44,892</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>June 3</td>
<td>Nations League</td>
<td>Costa Rica</td>
<td>Empower Field at Mile High</td>
<td>Denver, CO</td>
<td>34,451</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>June 6</td>
<td>Nations League</td>
<td>USA</td>
<td>Empower Field at Mile High</td>
<td>Denver, CO</td>
<td>37,648</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>June 12</td>
<td>Friendly</td>
<td>Honduras</td>
<td>Mercedez-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta, GA</td>
<td>70,072</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>June 30</td>
<td>Friendly</td>
<td>Panama</td>
<td>Nissan Stadium</td>
<td>Nashville, TN</td>
<td>30,386</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 3</td>
<td>Friendly</td>
<td>Nigeria</td>
<td>LA Coliseum</td>
<td>Los Angeles, CA</td>
<td>53,258</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 10</td>
<td>Gold Cup</td>
<td>Trinidad and Tobago</td>
<td>AT&amp;T Stadium</td>
<td>Dallas, TX</td>
<td>41,229</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 14</td>
<td>Gold Cup</td>
<td>Guatemala</td>
<td>Cotton Bowl</td>
<td>Dallas, TX</td>
<td>15,391</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 18</td>
<td>Gold Cup</td>
<td>El Salvador</td>
<td>Cotton Bowl</td>
<td>Dallas, TX</td>
<td>56,742</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 24</td>
<td>Gold Cup</td>
<td>Honduras</td>
<td>State Farm Stadium</td>
<td>Phoenix, AZ</td>
<td>64,211</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 29</td>
<td>Gold Cup</td>
<td>Canada</td>
<td>NRG Stadium</td>
<td>Houston, TX</td>
<td>70,304</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>August 1</td>
<td>Gold Cup</td>
<td>USA</td>
<td>Allegiant Stadium</td>
<td>Las Vegas, NV</td>
<td>61,514</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>October 27</td>
<td>Friendly</td>
<td>Ecuador</td>
<td>Bank of America Stadium</td>
<td>Charlotte, NC</td>
<td>39,887</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>November 12</td>
<td>World Cup Qualifying</td>
<td>USA</td>
<td>TQL Stadium</td>
<td>Cincinnati, OH</td>
<td>26,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>December 8</td>
<td>Friendly</td>
<td>Chile</td>
<td>Q2 Stadium</td>
<td>Austin, TX</td>
<td>17,202</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>TOTAL: 663,187</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>AVERAGE: 44,213</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h5>Breaking it down</h5>
<p>Mexico’s attendance in 2021 averaged 44,213, which seems like a strong number compared to either of the US national teams. However, it is actually quite low for the Mexicans. In fact, it marks the lowest attendance for Mexico games in the US since 2017. That year, the nation drew just 43,586 per game through 10 games. 2021’s average of 44,213 represents a drop of 23% from 57,546 per game in 2019. Mexico did not play any games in the United States in 2020 due to COVID shutdowns.</p>
<p>So, what caused this large drop of attendance for Mexico games? Well, as was the case for both the USMNT and the USWNT, some games had COVID-related restrictions on capacity in place. It’s a safe bet to assume that the Nations League Final between Mexico and the US would certainly have drawn <a href="https:\/\/www.concacaf.com/nations-league/article/denver-to-host-first-ever-concacaf-nations-league-finals-in-june-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more than 37,000 people</a> had the stadium been able to fully open up. And much as the USMNT and USWNT had to deal with, Mexico ran into the problem of playing consecutive games in the same stadium in the space of a few days during the Gold Cup. And one small nugget is Mexico playing their last two games of the year in MLS stadiums, which is always going to drop the average attendance for Mexico given the much smaller size of those particular stadiums.</p>
<p>While some fans in the US may get frustrated with Mexico regularly drawing bigger crowds than the US, the old saying goes “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Mexico drawing large crowds is good overall for soccer in the US so let’s hope that 2022 provides a nice bounce-back for them.</p>


The USA's biggest rival played 15 games in its northern neighbor. Here's how Mexico's attendance in 2021 stacked up playing up north.

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Improved USWNT win hard-fought 1-0 victory against Mexico

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Mexico's attendance in 2021 sees strong crowds in United States