USA teammates mob Christen Press after one of her first-half goals. (Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports)
HOUSTON — The United States continued to buzz saw its way through the Concacaf Women’s Olympic Qualifying tournament on Monday night.
Christen Press struck for a brace in the opening half while Sam Mewis connected for hers in the second half as the Americans recorded a 6-0 Group A victory over previously unbeaten Costa Rica at BBVA Stadium.
The result clinched a semifinal berth for the USA, which will meet either Canada or Mexico in Carson, Calif. on Friday at 10 p.m. (FS). The semifinal victory will book a spot at the Tokyo Summer Olympics. The Canadians and Mexicans will battle for the Group B title on Tuesday night.
The USA has outscored its three foes in this competition, 18-0. That includes a 4-0 win over Haiti and an 8-0 triumph over Panama.
Press found the net in the fourth and 30th minutes, sandwiched around a goal by Linsdey Horan, who hit for a hat-trick against Panana.
Mewis put home a free kick for the fourth goal in the 63rd minute. She turned playmaker 14 minutes later, feeding Jess McDonald from the left side as the North Carolina Courage forward slotted home from three yards.
Mewis closed out the scoring with an apparent gift goal in the 82nd minute as her shot hit the crossbar and bounded straight down. Several TV replays showed the ball hit the goal line, but was not entirely over it.
