Nothing Comes Easy for U.S. Despite Victory

Kristine Lilly scored twice in the final six minutes as the United States overcame a strong effort by Mexico goalkeeper Linnea Quinones for a 3-0 victory in women’s soccer Sunday at the Rose Bowl.

The Americans had an enormous 42-1 edge in shots and 20-1 in shots on goal, but were stymied by Quinones for most of the match. Quinones, a 19-year old San Diego resident who plays for San Diego State, made 16 saves in her sixth international match.

The U.S. team took a 1-0 lead in the 38th minute when Julie Foudy headed Shannon MacMillan’s pass past Quinones. The scoring sequence began with Lilly’s short corner kick to MacMillan.

Lilly scored her first goal in the 85th minute, putting a shot from the right corner of the penalty area inside the left goalpost. She scored her second in the 88th minute, putting in a rebound from 10 yards after Mexican defender Susie Mora headed out Mia Hamm’s shot.

American goalkeeper Briana Scurry needed only to make one save in posting the 47th shutout of her six-year international career and fourth this year. Maribel Dominguez took Mexico’s shot, receiving a long pass, dribbling past American captain Carla Overbeck and shooting from just inside the penalty area. Scurry leaped to catch her shot and fell down from its force.

The U.S. squad has never lost to Mexico, winning the inaugural match, 12-0, in 1991, followed by 9-0 victories in 1994 and 1998. However, Mexico has been buoyed by the recent addition of several current and former U.S. college players--eligible to play because at least one parent was born in Mexico. Seven of its 11 starters are current or former U.S. college players, with six listing California cities as their hometowns.