Women's Olympic Qualifying: Semifinals

Canada 3-1 Mexico
United States 3-0 Costa Rica

The US struggled comparatively tonight as Costa Rica provided the stiffest challenge of the qualifying tournament so far. While Tobin Heath scored an early goal in the 17' for the Americans, heading in a rebound served up by Erika Miranda's deflection of Abby Wambach's header, it wasn't until the 72' that the US women found the net again. Costa Rica began to fade as their high pressure system took it's toll later in the game, and then the chances started to flow. Carli Lloyd doubled the lead as the defense began to crack, knocking in a goal line clearance created from yet another Wambach shot. Alex Morgan provided the third goal at the end of regulation through sheer speed and some luck, beating the defense to the ball, flicking it up off a defender's back, then chipping the keeper for the third goal on the night. The Costa Rica attack was not silent, forcing Hope Solo into some nice saves and rattling the post from distance.

Canada fills the second spot at the Olympics in London this summer, with a victory over Mexico. Christine Sinclair scored the opening goal after a nifty pass from Melissa Tancredi. Sinclair set up Tancredi's goal just moments later, releasing Kelly Parker into the box, and the resulting cross was volleyed into the net. It was some nice passing work reminiscent of the best one-touch football. Mexico drew within one after a messy clearance of a corner fell to Veronica Perez, who buried her shot from outside the box. Tancredi was again the playmaker less than ten minutes later, her cross giving Sinclair a one-on-one with Cecilio Santiago. As Santiago ran out to meet her, Sinclair sublimely chipped the keeper for the final goal. This game was not really as close as the scoreline, as Canada squandered many chances with some very poor finishing.

Canada now faces the United States in the qualifying final Sunday at 5:00pm Cascadia time.