Lloyd sends United States into Olympic Qualifying semifinals

FRISCO, Texas -- United States women's national team captain and reigning FIFA Women's World Player of the Year Carli Lloyd collected a rebound off her penalty kick that had been blocked by Mexico goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago, and knocked in the game-winner in the 80th minute.

It was a huge sigh of relief for Lloyd and the U.S., who will advance to the semifinals of this CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Championship after their 1-0 win over El Tri at Toyota Stadium. But it was close, as the high-flying start to this Olympic qualifying effort hit a speed bump against Mexico, who will now battle Costa Rica for the second-place finish in Group A play and the right to play in the semifinals, too.

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