The U.S. women's soccer team aced its first test of World Cup qualifying, routing Mexico, 6-0, in the group stage opener Thursday night in Cary, N.C.
Fueled by coach Jill Ellis' decision to start playmakers Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Horan together, the U.S. attack flew out of the gates. The first goal came in just the third minute.
Lavelle and Horan were involved in a 17-pass buildup that led to the finish. Mexico's defense briefly broke the move up at the edge of the 18-yard box, but an attempted clearance was blocked by Horan and Alex Morgan.