The USWNT got their Olympics off to the start everyone was hoping for with a comfortable, injury-free 2-0 win against New Zealand.
New Zealand played a physical, bruising style of soccer, but in the end the USWNT's skill advantage won out.
Having the best player in the world helps too. Carli Lloyd got the USWNT on the board in the first half, heading in a Tobin Heath cross.
#OneGoal@CarliLloyd scores first for #TeamUSA: https://t.co/B74imgNL78 https://t.co/XbLll8doXy
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) August 3, 2016
Just 40 seconds into the second half, Alex Morgan put the game away with a nice near-post shot.
.@alexmorgan13 juuuuuust sneaks it through. #TeamUSA. goes up 2-0 against New Zealand! https://t.co/B74imgNL78 https://t.co/5PbyDVnIco
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) August 3, 2016
After that, it was smooth sailing for the USWNT. New Zealand never really threatened during the match, which served as the perfect opener for the USA.
Contact The18 Staff Writer Sam Klomhaus at Klomhaus@The18.com or follow him on Twitter @SamKlomhaus