The U.S. Women’s National Team opened Group D play at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup with a 3-1 win against Australia at Winnipeg Stadium.
Midfielder Megan Rapinoe scored two goals and forward Christen Press added one to propel the USA past the Matildas in its opening match of the tournament. Australia threatened frequently in the first half, but several world-class saves from U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo highlighted the first half.
The USA’s first came off a deflected shot from Rapinoe in the 12th minute, but speedy Australian striker Lisa de Vanna tied things up in the 27th minute. The USA attack came alive in the second half and the Americans dominated down the stretch with Press and Rapinoe scoring the game-winnner and clincher, respectively.
The goals were Rapinoe’s second and third in the World Cup after she scored against Colombia at the 2011 Women’s World Cup in Germany. Additionally, Rapinoe’s first tally of the night gave her her 30th international goal, making her the 13th U.S. female player to score 30 times and tally 30 assists. She currently has 31 goals and 32 assists.
In the other Group D match earlier in the day, Nigeria and Sweden played to an exciting 3-3 draw that saw Nigeria erase an 2-0 deficit in the second half and then equalize late in the game after the Swedes had made it 3-2. Following today’s matches, the USA sits in first place of Group D with three points, followed by Nigeria and Sweden with one apiece, and then Australia with zero.
The seventh edition of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup takes place from June 6-July 5 throughout Canada. The U.S. continues the tournament against Sweden June 12 in Winnipeg and then finishes Group D play against Nigeria on June 16 at BC Place in Vancouver. The USA, Nigeria and Sweden have competed in every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Fans can follow in-game updates on Twitter (@ussoccer_wnt and @ussoccer_esp).
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