CARY, North Carolina -- Panama pulled off the second upset of the 2018 concacaf Women's Championship on Wednesday night, reaching the semifinals for the first time.
Los Canaleros (2W-0D-1L, 6 points) stole the spotlight from the United States as they surprised Mexico in their Group A encounter, 2-0, to earn an opportunity to reach the 2010 FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time.
The Mexicans (1W-0D-2L, 3) competed in the last two world championships, three overall.
The Panamanians' triumph was the second stunning result of the competition as Jamaica defeated favored Costa Rica in Group B on Monday, 1-0.
Yenith Bailey, Panama's 17-year-old goalkeeper, continued her outstanding play by recording her second shutout of the tournament at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Bailey's biggest moment came in first-half stoppage time when she saved Charlyn Corral's penalty kick after Panama was called for a hand ball in the penalty area.
Karla Riley volleyed home Kenia Rangel's left-wing cross in the 47th minute to give Panama a 1-0 lead before second-half sub Lineth Cedeno added an insurance tally in the 85th minute.
In the second game of the doubleheader, the USA (3W-0D-0L, 9) claimed the group title with a 7-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago (0W-0D-3L). The Americans, who have outscored their opposition 18-0, in the CWC, qualified for the semifinals on Saturday night.
Rose Lavelle and Alex Morgan (94 international goals) scored two goals apiece. Crystal Dunn, Lindsey Horan and Tobin Heath added one apiece.
