Team USA Downs Team Mexico 4-1 in Front of 6,899

Americans claim decisive victory behind women’s dominance

 Ontario, Calif. — Team USA defeated Team Mexico 4-1 in Sunday’s high-profile indoor showcase at Ontario’s Toyota Arena. In the latest edition of one of the world’s great rivalries, which saw the time in each quarter split evenly between the men and the women, the American women outscored their opposition 4-0 in front of a boisterous crowd of 6,899 fans. The men of El Tri edged out the U.S. men 1-0. Kelsey Keown recorded a pair of goals during the contest, helping her side enter target-score time with a 3-1 advantage.

Team USA opened the scoring nearly a third of the way into the first quarter, Courtney Jones picking out Taylor Hansen for 1-0. Natalie Renee Oronoz could have doubled her side’s lead on a shootout, but Mexico ‘keeper Miah Vega-Zavala’s stifled the attempt with an outstanding save. The American men then had additional chances during their first time on the turf, Mexican backstop Brandon Gomez coming up big several times.

Instead of a second for the Red, White and Blue, those watching from the stands and around the world witnessed the equalizer at the other end. Salvador Carrillo battled for the ball, creating a look for Empire Strykers ace Alan Perez, who left no doubt with his finish. With Team USA and Empire ‘keeper Brian Orozco off his line, Chad Vandegriffe subsequently produced a last-ditch goal-line clearance, followed by an equally memorable bicycle kick from Marco Fabián, another Strykers standout. The El Tri icon’s effort bounced off the plexiglass above the crossbar.

Almost exactly five minutes into the second period, Keown pounced on a defensive miscue to make it 2-1 by way of a clinical shot inside the left upright. Amber Huff then could have bagged the Americans’ next goal halfway through the third quarter, but her right-footed attempt on a breakaway smashed off the inside of the left post.

The women continued to provide all the scoring for Team USA, with Keown capitalizing on an open net in the fourth quarter and completing her brace for 3-1. The match format required the winner to reach a four-goal total — based on the three goals scored by the leading side at the end of regulation time. Kenne Kessler made quick work of the opposition, blasting home an early Gabby Byorth free kick to secure victory for the U.S.

The Empire Strykers of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL), who hosted the international showcase, kick off their 2026-27 campaign with an away game against defending champions San Diego Sockers on November 28. The Strykers’ home opener against San Diego is scheduled for December 13. Season tickets and single-game tickets are available here.