U.S. midfielder Megan Rapinoe, who plays for Seattle Reign FC, scored twice in a 3-1 victory over Australia in the team’s opener at the Women’s World Cup. Hope Solo, Reign FC goalkeeper, made five saves for the Americans.
WINNIPEG, Manitoba – For her second goal of the match against Australia, U.S. midfielder Megan Rapinoe channeled Lionel Messi, the superstar who plays for Argentina and FC Barcelona of Spain.
Rapinoe dribbled the ball before her long, low shot breezed past diving Matildas goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri.
“I was doing my best Messi impression,” said a laughing Rapinoe, who plays for Seattle Reign FC. “A much slower version.”
Rapinoe’s goals led the United States to a 3-1 victory over Australia on Monday night in the Americans’ opener at a Women’s World Cup that began with both governing body FIFA — dealing with a scandal U.S. prosecutors allege involves more than $150 million in bribes — and the U.S. team facing controversy.
Christen Press also scored for the second-ranked Americans.
Embattled goalkeeper Hope Solo, a former Washington Huskies standout who plays for the Reign, made five saves, including two in the first 15 minutes by the hard-charging Matildas.
“Hope came up absolutely huge for us,” Rapinoe said. “At least three saves that no one else in the world could make.”
Solo started a day after an ESPN report revealed new details about her arrest last June in Kirkland on suspicion of domestic violence. A judge dismissed the charges in January on procedural grounds and prosecutors have filed an appeal.
Asked whether it was difficult to maintain concentration, Solo replied: “I’m perfectly focused.”
Lisa De Vanna tied the score midway through the first half for No. 10 Australia.
“A little bit choppy. I think you could tell we were a little bit nervous,” Rapinoe said. “But we settled in a bit and we were able to get some goals.
“Three points, that’s most important, especially in this group that’s shaping up a little weird.”
The field has expanded from 16 teams to 24 this year, and the Americans’ next match in difficult Group D will be Friday against fifth-ranked Sweden and former U.S. coach Pia Sundhage. They finish group play June 16 against Nigeria, which played to a physical and somewhat surprising 3-3 tie with Sweden in the opener of Monday’s doubleheader.
“I want us to get better,” U.S. coach Jill Ellis said.
U.S. forward Alex Morgan, who has been sidelined by a bone bruise in her left knee, entered in the 79th minute in her first game action since April 11 with her Portland club.
“I felt really good. I had no pain whatsoever,” Morgan said.
Rapinoe scored in the 12th minute for the Americans, Press put the U.S. ahead for good in the 61st, and Rapinoe added her 31st international goal in the 78th minute — the first two-goal game at the World Cup for a U.S. woman since Abby Wambach against Norway in 2007.
“Megan thrives in big games, big moments,” Ellis said.
The Americans, who won the title in 1991 and 1999, improved to 23-0-2 in matches against Australia and 5-0-2 in World Cup openers.
