The U.S. U20 Women’s National Team wrapped up group play at the 2022 Concacaf U20 Championship with a win over Dominican Republic. Texas star Lexi Missimo led the way in the first half with a pair of goals. Andrea Kitahata also scored before the break. An own-goal and a tally from substitute Talia DellaPeruta pushed the lead to 5-0. Emily Colton and Simone Jackson also scored in the second half for a 7-0 final score. 

USA finished group play with a perfect record from the three games. The squad was rarely threatened during the three wins picking up a 6-0 victory against Nicaragua, 7-0 against Puerto Rico, and 7-0 against host Dominican Republic on Tuesday. USA did not concede a shot on goal during the group games. The knock-out round of the competition kicks off on Friday. USA is scheduled to face Suriname. 

Despite the lopsided scores during the first three games, there were some questions answered for the coaching staff. Sally Menti’s unfortunate injury in the opener is going to put more pressure on Talia DellaPeruta to anchor the No. 6 spot in the lineup. DellaPeruta has been a star with her passing during her time on the field. 

The forwards are clicking. Avery Patterson was dominant in the win over Puerto Rico and had some good moments in the second half against Dominican Republic. Kitahata was electric on the right wing as she played with confidence when running at defenders. She created an own-goal off a cross early in the second half. 

There is plenty of optimism from the midfield in breaking down a defense that wants to sit back. Coming into this event as the favorites, USA was aware they were not going to face many teams that would want to go toe-to-toe in open play. Through the first three games, head coach Tracey Kevins’ has unleashed the attack with midfield masterminds Olivia Moultrie and Alexis Missimo pulling the strings. This is an encouraging sign moving forward as teams will continue to sit back, but USA should have confidence they can break through those defenses as long as they play through the midfielders feet. 

USA Starting XI vs Dominican Republic: Mia Justus; Laney Rouse, Aidan McConnell, Lilly Reale, Samar Guidry; Emily Mason, Alexis Missimo, Olivia Moultrie; Simone Jackson, Trinity Byars, Andrea Kitahata 

Picture: twitter.com/USYNT