USA tops Mexico in historic friendly as Lone Star Emily Juarez nets game clincher in shootout

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Mexico and the USA took it to the wire, and then some Saturday in Oklahoma City in a friendly clash of Women's Minifootball national teams, with the USA winning in a shootout when Texas Lone FC standout Emily Juarez clinched the USA's win in a shootout, 7-5.

She was one of three Star S.C. players that were called up to the U.S. National Team, along with  Norma Lopez,, and Jordan Lande, Such friendlies serve to help the USA National Minifootball team -- which won World Cup championships in 2021 and 2024, set their eventual roster for international competitions.. 

Emma Crump tied the game for the USA with three minutes to play with a toe-poke goal from deep in the left corner after outworking a defender for a 50/50 ball. 

The event, hosted as part of the MASL and MASL-W Combine was hosted at the OG&E Coliseum, which brought together top-tier talent from across North America. It was the debut of the new downtown Oklahoma City arena that seat s4,500 for indoor soccer, and will be the home of the MASL 2 and MASL 3 OKC Certified Lions starting this fall. 

Among those selected to wear the red, white, and blue were three Texas Lone Star S.C. players - the latest franchise of the MASLW, and made a significant impact on the pitch and helped deliver a dramatic Team USA victory.

With emotions running high and everything on the line, the game moved to a 3 player penalty shootout. Emily Juarez, the final shooter for Team USA, and Texas Lone Star S.C. player, calmly stepped up, and scored the decisive game-winning goal, dribbling around the Mexico GK, sealing the win for team USA. 

“ It was a dream to play in front of a passionate crowd and scoring the game winner at the end, but it was a team effort, and I just did my part. I look forward to the future, and wanted to thank Pia, Brad, the coaching staff and everyone who believed in me,” Juarez said. 

Lopez and Lande also played key roles throughout the match, helping drive the U.S. comeback and showcasing theIr high level of training, discipline, and determination that has become synonymous with Texas Lone Star S.C.who will make their MASL W debut late this fall. Their performances reflected not only individual talent but also the rising caliber of women's arena soccer in Texas and the United States.

 “It was a great experience to play against Mexico, they are a talented team, but I will never forget the joy we had with team USA after winning the match and celebrating with my teammates," Lopez said. 

Added Lande, " I want to thank God for this opportunity, along with the ownership group, and coaching staff for believing in me. I will never forget this experience and it was an honor competing for the USA”

Head Coach Craig Rhodis, who was at the helm for Team USA's two World Cup wins, said the experience was not only helpful in building the women's sport, but historic too.

 “This was the first women's national team friendly held in the United States, and for a brand new roster to beat a powerhouse like Mexico is a testament to our programs continued growth," Rhodis said. "The Texas Lone Star S.C, girls all had pivotal roles in our victory. Emily Juarez scoring the game winner, Norma Lopez with her dynamic and quick play, and Jordan Landee coming in the third quarter gave us a spark in order for us to make a comeback to beat Mexico."

The MASL-W highlighted the significance of these selections in a recent article, noting that their inclusion on Team USA is a reflection of the club’s rapidly growing reputation and quality. 

Pia Namdar, the Club’s principal owner commented on the moment, emphasizing that this is just the beginning for Texas Lone Star S.C. as it builds momentum heading into its debut MASL-W season, 

“Seeing our players stand on an international stage representing the U.S. reaffirms our mission: develop outstanding women athletes and high-caliber soccer players,” Namdar said.

The national recognition of Lopez, Juarez, and Lande is a major milestone not only for the players but for this entire new franchise in the MASL-W, coming into the league as a strong force. Their success, prior to playing a MASL-W, signals the quality that Texas Lone Star S.C.has not only in obtaining top-level talent but also contributing meaningfully to the growth of women's professional indoor soccer in America.

With the MASL-W season fast approaching, Texas Lone Star S.C. invites fans, sponsors, and media to follow the journey of these extraordinary players, and the club, as they continue to raise the bar for women's soccer in Texas and beyond.