The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated New Zealand 2-0 on goals from captain Carli Lloyd and forward Alex Morgan to get off to a strong start in Group G play at Mineirão Stadium in its first match of the 2016 Olympic Games.
Lloyd staked the USA to an early lead in the ninth minute before Morgan struck just 34 seconds into the second half. On the defensive side, Kelley O’Hara, Julie Johnston, Becky Sauerbrunn and Meghan Klingenberg put in a commanding performance to help earn the USA’s 14th shutout of 2016.
The USA now leads Group G (1-0-0; 3pts) with France and Colombia yet to play their opening group game. The U.S. next plays France on Saturday in Belo Horizonte (4 p.m. ET; NBCSN, NBC Universo).
Click here to read more of this story.
About Marion Online Sports
