The U.S. beat the People's Republic of Korea, 2-0, today in Dresden, Germany, in their opening match of the 2011 Women's World Cup.
Lauren Cheney broke a scoreless deadlock in the 54th minute on a header, and Rachel Buehler added an insurance goal to send the U.S. to the top of Group C.
The sides remained scoreless at halftime, with modest chances for both teams throughout the first half.
In the second half, the U.S. began sustaining pressure on the PRK goal and Cheney's breakthrough seemed inevitable.
Leading up to the 54th minute, Cheney had already put four shots on goal, however all were aimed at goalkeeper Hong Myong Hui.
Abby Wambach's cross from the left, though, provided Cheney with a free header at the six-yard box. Cheney directed the ball back across goal and past Hong, who was leaning the wrong way.
The second goal came from an opportunistic and skillful shot by Buehler.
After a U.S. shot from a wide angle to the right hit the crossbar, the ball bounced out about 10 yards. Buehler slid and guided the ball with her right foot inside the post, past a diving Hong.
Lauren Cheney broke a scoreless deadlock in the 54th minute on a header, and Rachel Buehler added an insurance goal to send the U.S. to the top of Group C.
The sides remained scoreless at halftime, with modest chances for both teams throughout the first half.
In the second half, the U.S. began sustaining pressure on the PRK goal and Cheney's breakthrough seemed inevitable.
Abby Wambach's cross from the left, though, provided Cheney with a free header at the six-yard box. Cheney directed the ball back across goal and past Hong, who was leaning the wrong way.
The second goal came from an opportunistic and skillful shot by Buehler.
After a U.S. shot from a wide angle to the right hit the crossbar, the ball bounced out about 10 yards. Buehler slid and guided the ball with her right foot inside the post, past a diving Hong.
