25.10.2014 05:03 h

USA clinches Women's World Cup berth

Carli Lloyd scored two goals as the United States qualified for the 2015 Women's World Cup tournament with a one-sided 3-0 win over Mexico on Friday.

Christen Press scored for the Americans in the contest which also doubled as a semi-final game at the CONCACAF Women's Championship.

The USA started quickly as Lloyd scored inside of six minutes. She worked her way to the front of the Mexico goal before redirecting a header past keeper Pamela Tajonar.

Tobin Heath dribbled into the box on the left and was tripped by Christina Murillo, allowing Lloyd to send the goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot to make it 2-0.

Sydney Leroux set up Press in the 56th minute with a precision through ball that allowed Press to step around the goalkeeper and roll the ball into the empty cage.

Lloyd almost had a hat trick as she had the ball in the back of the net, but the goal was called back because of an offside. Press then hit the post in the final 10 minutes with the Americans dominating play.

The US returns to action in the final of the tournament on Sunday against Costa Rica, which beat Trinidad and Tobago on penalty kicks in the other semi.

The women's World Cup will be staged in the Canadian cities of Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal and Moncton from June 6 to July 5 next year.