Mexico captures first women’s worlds win to open day two

Photo credit: Geoff White (gw-images)

By Ameeta Vohra

Mexico took a historic next step in their women’s football program on as they won their first IFAF World Women’s Championship game on Tuesday June 27.  Mexico opened the second day of competition with a 31 – 10 victory over Australia.

Scoring summary

Despite a unique set of formations on the field, Australia racked up several penalties in the first half.

With 1:30 left in the first quarter, Mexico opened the scoring as Marlen Gutierrez Padilla an 11-yard touchdown rush.

Australia came close to responding back in the second quarter.  On fourth down, with the ball at the two yard line, quarterback Kristy Moran tried to sneak into the end zone but was denied by the strong Mexican defensive wall.

Australia earned their first points of the contest as Jasmin Collins made huge defensive play on Mexico pivot Carla Fernanda Melo Hernandez in end zone to earn an Australia safety.

At halftime, Mexico enjoyed a 7-2 lead over Australia.

At close to 4 minutes of the third quarter, Mexico’s Marlene Garcia Garces picked off Moran. Mexico took advantage as Andrea Romero Vazquez sprinted into the end zone for a 15-yard major.

Moran would get Australia on the scoreboard as she tallied a 43-yard rushing major.  Along with a successful two point conversion, Australia trimmed Mexico’s lead 13-10.

With 1:40 remaining in the third quarter, Maria Fernanda Pacheco Garcia reached the end zone to increase Mexico’s lead before the final frame.

Mexico’s solid defensive performance continued in the fourth quarter as they intercepted Moran and took over at the 42-yard line.  On third down, Romero Vazquez added her second rushing major of the game to clinch the victory.

For Mexico, the team felt fortunate to win their first-ever Women’s World Championship game.

“It was a really tough game,” commented Mexico Head Coach Jovanni Carrillo Larios. “At halftime, the score was really tight.”

“The defense took over the game while the offence tried to spend a little more time to accomplish all their plays.  This Australian team is a really fast team and disciplined team.  They did a very good job.”

As for Australia, Mexico’s victory signified how far the women’s game has evolved.

“Today’s game is confirmation of how far women’s football has come since the Women’s World Championship started in 2010,” Australia Head Coach Jen Welter said. “I thought that both Team Mexico and Team Australia fought very hard and they showed the potential of what this game could truly be.  My hats off to Team Mexico, they fought hard, they played fast as we knew they would.”

Welter assessed Australia’s performance against Mexico.

“From Team Australia’s perspective, I thought we did some good things defensively but we had some tough breaks on some major plays,” added Welter.  “I’d really like to see us get more in gear offensively.”

As for the penalties Australia had in the first half, Welter said it is still a learning curve for players.

“I think the game is evolving,” emphasized Welter.  “I think as the players learn, it will become a much cleaner game and that’s the best that we can hope for – safe football that is clean football.”

“I think that will evolve as players play longer and it will continue to get safer as referees get more and more live action.”

Winning their first Women’s World Championship game evoked a special feeling for Mexico.

“Truly, it was a main goal,” expressed Carrillo Larios.  “We knew the last game against the US it was going to be tough.”

“We knew we would be prepared very well against Australia.  We were very lucky to win this game.  We were really excited about this game and are looking forward to the next game.”

This post is also available in: French