Sophia Smith scored in the 64th minute and the United States avenged a loss to Mexico with a 1-0 victory in the return leg on Saturday.
The friendly at Red Bull Arena was the first of two warm-up games for the United States ahead of the Paris Olympics. The Americans will play Costa Rica at Audi Field in Washington on Tuesday before traveling to France.
Mexico defeated the United States for the second time in late February at the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup. Lizbeth Ovalle and Mayra Pelayo scored in Mexico’s 2-0 victory.
The United States had the better chances in the first half but were unable to convert. Smith, Lindsay Horan and Sam Coffey all had efforts in front of Mexico’s goal before the end of the half but failed to score.
But in the second half, Trinity Rodman passed the ball to Mallory Swanson, who looked ready to shoot but instead passed the ball to Smith for her 20th career goal. Smith nearly scored a second goal in the 73rd, but her shot hit the near post.
The U.S. national team has not conceded a goal in three games under new coach Emma Hayes.
The game marked the 25th anniversary of the 99ers, the team that won the 1999 Women’s World Cup at the Rose Bowl. It was the first time all 20 players on the team had come together.
Alyssa Naher, the captain of the match, was honored on the field before the game for her 100th cap with the national team. She started in March.
Lynn Williams entered the game in the 75th minute. Williams was originally one of four alternates on the U.S.’s 18-player Olympic roster, but forward Catarina Macario will not be able to play in France because of a knee injury. Hayes announced the change Friday.
Croix Bethune made her debut for the United States in the 81st minute.
