The United States women’s national soccer team will attempt to secure a berth in the 2016 Olympics in Houston on Friday as they take on Trinidad and Tobago in the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying qualifier semifinal.

The team got to BBVA Compass Field by winning all three games in its qualifying group played at Toyota Stadium with a retooled team after many key players of the team’s World Cup run were either out or retired. The younger roster put players like forward 26-year-old Alex Morgan into a leadership role.

“There’s only four players over 100 caps, and I’m one of the four players,” Morgan said. “It has definitely pushed me into that leadership role, especially with a lot of veterans retiring, dealing with injuries, and pregnancies. A lot of the younger players are definitely looking to us for guidance and to help that out a little bit for their first major tournament, so I definitely do see myself in a veteran role.”

For players such as Mallory Pugh, Morgan, Carli Lloyd, and Crystal Dunn, the time in Frisco was not just for qualifying for the Olympics. In a region known as a hotbed for soccer, especially among the youth, the girls were proud to help grow the game, for both girls and boys alike, in the country.

“I just think it’s really cool that something like this can inspire young girls,” Pugh said. “That’s what I’ve wanted to do growing up. Again, it’s just a real cool opportunity being here.”

The first game for the team was a 5-0 win over Costa Rica. Morgan nabbed two goals, including a goal that was scored within the first 13 seconds of the game. Lloyd and Christen Press also added goals and Dunn, the reigning NWSL MVP, notched an early goal to help the Americans dominate.

”For me, it’s almost a perfect start,” U.S. coach Jill Ellis said to Yahoo Sports. ”We were able to check off a lot of boxes.”

The next game for the team was a battle against rival Mexico, in what was a clash of two teams with completely different philosophies. The Mexican team started the game in a 5-4-1 formation, electing to have one more centerback in order to minimize the damage the U.S. team could do. The plan worked early, as the teams went to half tied at zero.

“They were a very compact, bunker team,” Lloyd said. “I think at one point, they had all nine players behind the ball. They were organized and came to play.”

The U.S.  came out, searching for a goal that would give them the win. After striking the post twice, the game seemed to be nearing a draw, until a fortunate handball gave the U.S. a penalty and a chance to win the game.

“It was another big moment, and I just made sure I was mentally focused and ready to kick it,” Lloyd said.

Lloyd would take the shot, only to have it saved by Mexican keeper, Cecilia Santiago. However, Santiago could not control the shot, as it rolled right back to Lloyd for a tap in to give the United States the lead.

“I guess you can’t make all of them all the time,” Lloyd said. “Luckily the rebound came right back to me, and there was no hesitation and I just put it in the back of the net.”

The goal would be the only goal of the game, with the U.S. winning 1-0.

“The team is transitioning well from the World Cup team to the Olympic Qualifying team,” Morgan said. “There’s new faces, but those players are getting lots of time in important and that’s the most important thing, making sure those younger players feel comfortable playing in this environment and feel like they can make an impact in these games.”

For the 17-year-old Pugh, the game was a learning experience, as she came on as a late sub to try and provide the spark for the team.

“I think it was a really tough game,” Pugh said. “Mexico was a really good opponent. But I think our composure in the second half and what we talked about during half, we executed and we played a lot better.”

The third and final game for the team saw them playing against Puerto Rico. The Puerto Ricans were making their first Olympic Qualifying appearance in history. With the semi-final spot all wrapped up, the team elected to rest most of the starters. Even with the backups, the team cruised, defeating Puerto Rico 10-0. Dunn had 5 goals in the game, tying the US record for goals in a game, joining the likes of Abby Wambach and Michelle Akers who’ve also reached that tally.

“If I’ve scored five goals, it was not in the last 15 years,” Dunn said. “I mean, I can not remember. I mean, five goals is a lot. If I’m scoring five goals often, there’s a problem with the other teams!”

Dunn at 23 is one of the team’s younger players. She won the 2015 NWSL golden boot, leading the league with 15 goals.

“This squad that we started today was obviously young, and it was really great for everyone to get some shine today,” Dunn said. “Just because the girls’ don’t have that many caps, doesn’t mean they’re not capable to play in a tournament like this.”

Pugh, who was the 2015 U-20 World Cup’s Golden Boot winner, defied expectations in the group stage tournament with her veteran type play, in what was only her 4th cap for the senior national team. She credits her teammates for the constant support they give as a key for her success.

“When you make a simple mistake, they tell you it’s okay, go get the next one,” Pugh said. “It’s that positivity that keeps you going.”