Mexico coach Pedro Lopez has urged his team to back up its shock win over the United States women's national team amid the "dream" of a power shift.
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Mexico beat USWNT for second time ever on MondayCoach Lopez 'dreaming' of power shift in rivalryBut urges La Tri to back up win at Gold CupWHAT HAPPENED?
The USWNT has long dominated the rivalry with its neighbours, with Monday's 2-0 result only Mexico's second-ever win despite 43 meetings. However, La Tri is dreaming of a power shift in that head-to-head after a historic victory in the Gold Cup.
AdvertisementWHAT LOPEZ SAID
Asked after the game if he thinks this result could help usher in a new era, one that sees Mexico enjoy more success against the USWNT, head coach Lopez said: "I wish. I have that dream and I went to Mexico with that dream. We're going to do all we can. We just want to continue enjoying [this], we want the players to continue enjoying, that their families feel proud of them the way I feel. I want them to win because today, we won some fans in Mexico and that's great for women's football in Mexico."
However, the coach was keen to point out the significance of backing up this win, too. "I insist that for us it would be of no use if in the next game, we lose the quarter-finals and we go down in history as the team that only beat the United States one day," Lopez added.
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Women's soccer in Mexico has grown dramatically in recent years, with Liga MX Femenil attracting record-breaking crowds and viewers since it began play in 2017. Those improvements haven't been seen on a consistent basis with the national team yet, but Monday's result was a sign that it could be coming.
DID YOU KNOW?
Defeat to Mexico ended the USWNT's 80-game unbeaten streak when facing CONCACAF opponents on home soil. The last nation from the same confederation to defeat the the four-time world champion in the U.S. was Canada, in November 2000.