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Sandy • The idea of the ball taking an awkward bounce or a slight deflection in the box didn't weasel its way into the back of Hope Solo's mind until the waning minutes. Suddenly, it dawned on one of the world's best goalkeepers that a record she'd been seeking for so long was within moments of her grasp.
The game, an international friendly against rival Mexico, was beyond being in hand. The United States women's national team railroaded the opposition in the dominating 8-0 victory Saturday night at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Securing Solo's spot in the record books was the final achievement needing a check mark. The 33-year-old American entered the match against Mexico with 71 career clean sheets, tied with former star Briana Scurry. Solo was close — agonizingly close — on Aug. 20 in a friendly against Switzerland in Cary, N.C., but the Swiss scored a 70th-minute penalty kick before the Americans went on to win 4-1.
On Saturday night, Solo stared at the scoreline in Sandy begging the seconds to whittle away.
Eventually, the 90 minutes were called and along with an impressive 8-0 rout of a rival, Solo had shutout No. 72. It had been over 14 years since her first cap with the USWNT, a shutout against Iceland on April 5, 2000.
Ironically, also an 8-0 victory.
"It's been a long journey," Solo said. "A lot of tears, a lot of blood, a lot of sweat, some heartache, some amazing, incredible moments and it's crazy to think it's been close to 15 years. I still feel young, I still feel good, I still feel healthy, so hopefully, the best part of the journey is yet to come."
Against Mexico and in preparing for World Cup Qualifying next month, the Americans were simply on another level. Five different players netted goals. All-time leading scorer Abby Wambach had two herself, upping her career total to 170. Star forward Alex Morgan had two herself as well as a trio of assists.
After an intense week-long training camp based in Salt Lake, the U.S. took their eagerness out on Mexico with precision passing and clinical finishes in and the box. The U.S. took a 4-0 lead into halftime and poured in four more in the second half.
"This team actually does have even more in its tank," Wambach said. "The fact that we can go to the bench and have people increase the level based on whatever is necessary in the moment is amazing."
Three second-half substitutes validated Wambach's point. Whitney Engen, Sydney Leroux and Heather O'Reilly upped the second half lead from 5-0 after Morgan's second goal in the 56th minute to 8-0 by the 75th minute.
"What was done [in training camp] has translated," USWNT coach Jill Ellis said, "and it's a great start."
Not to mention a great end to a record chase.
Solo's banner evening concluded with addressing the crowd of 8,849 after the win, signing autographs around the stadium and taking selfies with young fans. It was clearly a weight lifted off her shoulders.
"You can't say enough about what she's done for this country in terms of goalkeeping," Wambach said. "Best in the world, in my opinion. I think a lot of people would agree with me on that."
Twitter: @chriskamrani —
Storylines
O Goalkeeper Hope Solo becomes the all-time shutout leader in USWNT history with 72 clean sheets.
• Forward Alex Morgan tallies two goals and three assists in the rout of Mexico.