COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Texas A&M Soccer standout Jimena Lopez helped the Mexico Under-20 Women's National Team reach the semifinal round of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association of Football (CONCACAF) U-20 Women's Championship in Couva, Trinidad & Tobago.
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Lopez played the entire 90 minutes in both of Mexico's victories over Jamaica (4-0) and Nicaragua (2-0) to start the tournament and secure a spot in the semifinal round. In Sunday's 2-0 victory over Nicaragua, Lopez assisted on Mexico's first goal, serving up a free kick from the left side of the penalty box with Dayana Cazares putting it home from 12 yards.
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Mexico completes round-robin play Tuesday when they face the United States at Ato Boldon Stadium. With a win or draw on Tuesday, Mexico will play Haiti in Friday's semifinal round. With a loss Tuesday, Mexico will play Canada.
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Lopez had a banner 2017 as a freshman with the Aggies. The defender started 20 matches for the Maroon & White, including 10 starts. She racked up seven points on three goals and one assist. Lopez was named the SEC Freshman of the Week after scoring twice in the opening weekend while playing a part in an Aggie defense that recorded back-to-back-shutouts.
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With a win in either semifinal action or a third-place match on Sunday, Mexico will qualify for the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, slated for August 5-24 in the Brittany region of France.
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Lopez played the entire 90 minutes in both of Mexico's victories over Jamaica (4-0) and Nicaragua (2-0) to start the tournament and secure a spot in the semifinal round. In Sunday's 2-0 victory over Nicaragua, Lopez assisted on Mexico's first goal, serving up a free kick from the left side of the penalty box with Dayana Cazares putting it home from 12 yards.
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Mexico completes round-robin play Tuesday when they face the United States at Ato Boldon Stadium. With a win or draw on Tuesday, Mexico will play Haiti in Friday's semifinal round. With a loss Tuesday, Mexico will play Canada.
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Lopez had a banner 2017 as a freshman with the Aggies. The defender started 20 matches for the Maroon & White, including 10 starts. She racked up seven points on three goals and one assist. Lopez was named the SEC Freshman of the Week after scoring twice in the opening weekend while playing a part in an Aggie defense that recorded back-to-back-shutouts.
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With a win in either semifinal action or a third-place match on Sunday, Mexico will qualify for the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, slated for August 5-24 in the Brittany region of France.