U.S. Women's Soccer Team Cruises To Opening Victory At Rio Olympics

The United States Women’s National Team sailed to a 2-0 victory over New Zealand in their opening match of the 2016 Rio Olympics, where the Americans are seeking to win their fourth consecutive gold medal.

Carli Lloyd, the reigning world player of the year, opened the scoring just nine minutes into the match, when she headed home a cross from Tobin Heath to put the USWNT ahead.

Alex Morgan then gave the USWNT its second goal just seconds into the second half, when she beat New Zealand keeper Erin Nayler with a low, hard shot to the near post.

The victory gave the USWNT a solid opening victory in a group that also features France and Colombia, which square off later Wednesday night.

New Zealand barely threatened American keeper Hope Solo throughout the match, but the USWNT’s road gets tougher from here. The team faces France in its second group stage match on Saturday.