Tobin Heath Scores In Return To National Team As U.S. Beats Mexico

Tobin Heath celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Mexico on July 1, 2021 in East Hartford, Conn. 

The third goal in a 4-0 friendly win over Mexico wasn’t the most important one in U.S. women’s soccer history, but it was a massive one for Tobin Heath.

Making her first appearance since December due to an ankle injury, Heath scored on her first touch just seconds after coming into the game as a 73rd-minute substitute Thursday night in East Hartford, Connecticut. Despite her long absence, Heath was included on the Olympic roster and proved she’s fully fit and able to help the U.S. in Tokyo. It was the 34th international goal for the former Manchester United player.

Heath’s goal capped a good night for Team USA in the first of two Send-Off Series matches with Mexico. The driving rain that fell throughout most of the match did little to slow down the scoring attack of the U.S., which outshot Mexico 29-5. Sam Mewis opened the scoring in the 21st minute, with an assist from her sister Kristie, who had a strong performance in midfield. 

Christen Press would double the lead before halftime and then cap the scoring just before full time. Press has now been involved in 36 goals in her last 36 matches for the U.S. Starting goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was subbed off at halftime for Adrianna Franch, who made one save and preserved the shutout.

The U.S. extended its unbeaten streak to 43 matches and beat Mexico for the 38th time in 40 meetings. Following the second friendly with La Tri, the U.S. will head for training camp in Miyazaki, Japan, ahead of the Games. The U.S. will face Sweden in its Olympic opener on July 21.