Mexico's manager Monica Vergara took full responsibility after closing out the Concacaf W Championship without a win and failing to qualify for the 2023 Women's World Cup.
"I consider it a personal failure," El Tri Femenil's coach said after Monday's 1-0 loss to the United States. "We must salvage the good things that are developing in our country. This women's soccer project in our country is growing and it's taking many solid steps."
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Against the reigning World Cup winners, Vergara's players did well to keep them at bay until the 89th minute when Kristie Mewis opened the scoring. Down to 10 players in the second half due to a red card for Jacqueline Ovalle, Mexico went toe-to-toe with their North American rivals, landing just short of a victory that would have kept them in the running for next year's World Cup.
Nevertheless, it was too little too late and with no invitation to Australia/New Zealand 2023 set -- and an underwhelming place at the bottom of Group A of the Concacaf W Championship after previous losses to Jamaica and Haiti -- Vergara's role with Mexico remains up in the air.
"I'm not a person that gives up on things. Evidently, I'm going to be evaluated," Vergara said. "I'm also sure that I won't be evaluated only by this tournament, if not the entire process."
"If the cycle finishes here, it's been a spectacular ride."
Initially one of the favorites to earn one of four direct spots for the World Cup through the Concacaf W Championship, which is hosted at home in the northern Mexican city of Monterrey, Vergara and her squad proved to be a massive letdown with three losses and not a single goal scored in the group stage.
The United States, Costa Rica, Canada and Jamaica all officially booked World Cup spots and knockout round invitations for the Concacaf W Championship after finishing in the top two of their respective groups. Without the Mexican hosts, the competition will continue through the semifinals on July 14, and ultimately a final on July 18 that will provide a place in the 2024 Summer Olympics and 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup.
United States' Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski admitted his side's performance against Mexico wasn't up to his desired standard, but remains ambitious for the 2023 World Cup.
"I have to say, if you asked me if we are ready to go into the World Cup and compete in the World Cup tomorrow, we're probably not ready for it," Andonovski said after the 1-0 victory.
"But are we going to be ready in a year? Absolutely. I'm very happy with the progress of the team, development of the team and development of the individuals who lead the team as well. I think that we're doing a good job and we're going in the right direction."
ESPN's Jeff Kassouf contributed to this report.