BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil–Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan each scored as the United State Women’s National Team opened the 2016 Rio de Janiero Olympics with a 2-0 win over New Zealand at Mineirão Stadium Wednesday. From there, the game was firmly in favor of the U.S. The New Zealand team could not respond despite their best efforts and lost handily 2-0.
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It was her 7th goal in her Olympics career, and 89th as a member of the US women’s national team.
Seeking a fourth straight Olympic gold, the Americans are without Christine Rampone because of injury, while Sydney Leroux and Amy Rodriguez are pregnant.
Now for those who are excited to catch this clash, USWNT vs. France will kick off at 4 p.m. Eastern Time and will be televised at NBCSN.
There was a lot of confidence that New Zealand wasn’t going to present much of a challenge, and the early goal made it seem certain.
Morgan’s star rose quickly following the 2011 World Cup in Germany. Lloyd served the ball from the right edge of the box into the area, but Alex Morgan sent her header over the bar.
Chances for the Americans were tough to come by, with the White Ferns playing a high line and forcing the U.S.to try from distance.
The win puts Brazil tied atop group E with Sweden. She was named 2015 FIFA Women’s World ‘Player of the Year’.
She was hampered by a bone bruise in her knee before last year’s World Cup and was eased back into the lineup cautiously, used as a sub in the first two matches in Canada. Along with the World Cup, this is the time to go all #Murica all the time.
So far she’s had a fantastic 2016 with 12 goals – her first year in double figures since 2012. Pugh showed great pace and aggressively moved the ball up the field before leaving the game in the 51st minute.
“One of the things that I really looked into is why has a repeat never been done”, said USA coach Jill Ellis, whose team has lost once in its last 40 matches. The relay should be one of the most hotly contested and exciting team swimming events of the Games. I think Dunn gets the nod tonight, but look for Pugh to get significant minutes in the second half. If the United States wins vs. France this weekend, it will most likely be between New Zealand and France for the second spot guaranteed out of the group.
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At the beginning of the second half, Team USA scored another goal with the shot blasted past New Zealand defender Nayler by American Morgan Brian.
