Kenti Robles assists in Mexico’s 3-1 win over Costa Rica

The Mexican Women’s National Team hosted Costa Rica in the Estadio Azteca on Saturday. It was the first of two friendlies between the sides. Both teams have had extended periods without matches.

Mexico is playing for the first time since March 11, 2020 and this was Costa Rica’s first match since CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying. This was also Mexico’s first match under new coach Monica Vergara. Kenti Robles started the match at right back.

El Tri started the match on the front foot but the first big chance fell to Las Ticas. Priscila Chinchilla fired just wide within five minutes to conclude a Tica counter attack. But Mexico opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. Rebeca Bernal sprinted to the back post to head a flighted ball from a Nicole Perez corner kick past the keeper.

Katty Martinez doubled El Tri’s advantage in the 36th minute. Kenti Robles intercepted a pass in the final third and redirected it with her head to Martinez’s feet. The attacker curled a spectacular left-footed shot into the upper corner. Martinez smashed another shot against the post before the end of the first half.

At the restart, Mexico picked up where they left off. El Tri had a chance to make it three within the first two minutes of the second half. They made it three in the 53rd minute. The captain Stephany Mayor started a counter attack and finished it with a diving header.

Fabiola Villalobos got one back for Las Ticas in the 82nd minute. She got free on a set-piece and fired a header into the back of the net.

The teams will face off again on Feb. 23 at 2:00 pm (ET) in the Centro de Alto Rendimiento.