The U.S. women’s soccer team continued its march toward a third consecutive gold by beating North Korea 1–0 in preliminary play Tuesday.
The game was played in driving rain, and the action was physical; the U.S. eleven focused on keeping possession and protecting its lead rather than pushing for more goals as it might have done under better conditions.
Striker Abby Wambach scored her 141st goal in international play in the 25th minute. It started with Carli Lloyd sending Alex Morgan a long feed to the right corner of the six-yard box, which attracted the Korean defense. With all eyes on her, Morgan slipped a soft pass to Wambach charging down the middle for the easy goal.
The U.S. women had a few good chances but didn’t convert as Morgan and Wambach both sent shots off the frame, Tobin Heath sent one over the net and Lauren Cheney hit a weak shot on a breakaway chance.
The U.S. defense still needs some sharpening up; North Korea never really challenged, but only because they couldn’t convert on chances the Americans never should have given them. Likely the U.S. defense would have played tighter had they thought their opponents were a threat.
The United States faces New Zealand on Friday.
