Serlenga’s Hat Trick Leads to U.S. Rout

The U.S. women’s soccer team looks as dominant as ever through two games in the Gold Cup.

Two days after routing Trinidad and Tobago, 11-0, in their tournament opener, the Americans overpowered Costa Rica, 8-0, Sunday at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.

Nikki Serlenga scored three goals and Susan Bush had a goal and four assists for the United States, which clinched a berth in the semifinals of the eight-team tournament.

World Cup veterans Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, Tiffany Milbrett and Kate Sobrero did not play.

The stadium, which seats 42,000, was less than one-quarter filled when the U.S. game started, despite sunny skies and temperatures in the 80s.

The Americans dictated the tempo from the opening minutes, keeping the ball in the Costa Rican half of the field for more than 90% of the first half. The U.S. failed to click on many early scoring runs but was never threatened by its smaller, slower opponent.

Serlenga broke the scoreless tie in the ninth minute, beating Costa Rica goalkeeper Marie Claire Herra with a shot from the top of the penalty area. Shannon MacMillan scored from nearly the same spot a minute later and Bush made the score 3-0 when she dashed into the goal crease and kicked in a long cross from Cindy Parlow in the 22nd minute.

Christie Welsh scored off a cross from Bush in the 47th minute to make the score 4-0 and Serlenga sent a shot past Herra from just outside the crease in the 53rd minute for a 5-0 lead.

Serlenga scored in the 64th minute for her first hat trick since joining the team in January. Welsh and Sara Whalen added goals in the final 15 minutes.

Earlier Sunday, Katia Da Silva scored seven goals in Brazil’s 11-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago.

The Brazilians defeated Costa Rica, 8-0, on June 23, and will play the U.S. team Tuesday night in Foxboro, Mass.