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After coming up just short in the 2011 world cup, the US Women’s National Team looks to take 2015 in Canada. The run wouldn’t be easy though, as they would begin their run against Australia, in a match that USA was expected to win. The team would do exactly that, winning 3-1.
The scoring would begin quickly, when Megan Rapinoe fired a shot that would be deflected by an Australian defender. They all count the same though, as Rapinoe’s goal would put USA up 1-0 and give Rapinoe her 30th goal in international play.
Just a short time after, Australia would net their first in the 27th minute, when Michelle Heyman would deliver a short pass to Lisa De Vanna, who would fire it past Hope Solo for the Matilda’s first goal of the game and De Vanna’s first of the tournament.
The second half would be all team USA and the scoring would begin in the 61st minute, when Sydney Leroux’s setup from the wing would be straight to Christen Press, who would fire it in the net. The goal would give team USA their second lead of the game at 2-1.
Late in the game, Megan Rapinoe would score her second of the day and team USA’s third of the game. The goal would put the nail in the coffin and would eliminate a chance of Australia stealing a point.
Team USA would see captain Abby Wambach struggle all game. Despite having two clear cut chances, Wambach was unable to net one in and missed two headers by just inches.
In the net, Hope Solo was huge and came up with two big saves in the beginning of the game, preventing goals from Australia, which would give them the draw and a point in group D.
Team USA fans would also get to see a small glimpse of Alex Morgan, who is recovering from a bruise on her leg. Morgan, who hasn’t played since early April, will need to be huge if Team USA would like to get revenge for their championship loss in the 2011 World Cup.
Team USA will return to the pitch Friday, where they’ll face off against powerhouse Sweden in a match that could decide where each team finishes in Group D.
Australia will also return to the pitch on Friday, where they’ll face Nigeria, who was able to steal a point from Sweden in a 3-3 draw.