USA Women win soccer debut
SportsNetwork

MELBOURNE, Australia - The grandest stage, another win.

In the 29th chapter of a rivalry that spans the relatively short-lived history of women's international soccer, the U.S. women's national soccer squad once again got the pendulum of momentum swinging its way, besting long-time nemesis Norway 2-0 in the opening 2000 Olympic action for both sides Thursday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The American win, which also brought the U.S. women one match closer to equalizing its all-time record against the Scandinavians (13-14-2), proved once again when it counts the most, the United States will some how find it in themselves to prevail.

"We've talked about it," said striker Tiffeny Milbrett, who opened the scoring in the 18th minute. "Whenever there is something like this, we show up. It's not like we don't go out and play to win every game, but when there is a gold medal or a World Cup or some trophy on the line, this team really knows how to buckle down, fight, and pull it out."

Many were questioning the Americans' chances at a repeat gold- medal performance when the Olympic draw was issued back on June 3. The U.S., in addition to Norway and China -- traditionally the top three sides in the women's game -- were grouped together for the first round.

Some pondered whether the U.S. -- despite being the only team to simultaneously hold the gold medal and the Women's World Cup trophy -- could overcome the loss of Michelle Akers to retirement after 15 years of service on the national team, long-time skipper Carla Overbeck's fight to return to form following a year-long bout with injury and illness, and the ability to adjust to a new coach and starting netminder after World Cup hero Briana Scurry was sidelined for the better part of the year with injury.

While its first-round meeting with the Norwegians was not a medal match, or even a knock-out phase contest, it proves at the U.S. women can still beat the best, and be the best.

The Americans broke out of the gate with their typical aggressive style, taking three corner kicks just five minutes in. The speedy Milbrett toyed with the Norway back line and her U.S. teammates did their part to win 50-50 balls at midfield to gain the advantage on the wet turf in Melbourne.

Milbrett registered her 12th goal of 2000 and 80th with the U.S. women in the 18th minute when she outran two Norwegian defenders using her trademark speed on the ball and sent home what ultimately was the match-winning goal.

The scoring play began with U.S. goalkeeper Siri Mullinix's 60-yard downfield punt, which Milbrett took before having her way with Norway netminder Bente Nordby.

Milbrett's initial offering was deflected by Nordby, but the rebound was easily gobbled up by the fleet-footed frontrunner.

Mia Hamm, the world's all-time scoring leader and Milbrett's striking partner, then gave the American women a two-goal cushion just six minutes later when she beat an offside trap to net her 126th career international goal, taking a feed from Kristine Lilly.

The goal was Hamm's 12th this year.

Lilly, who record her record 218th cap for the American women, sent a chip at Hamm, who was able to finish off the opportunity from inside the penalty area.

With the win, Mullinix collected her team-record 14th shutout of the year. The U.S. women also improved to 23-4-7 in 2000.

The U.S. women will take their momentum next to a meeting with China on Sunday at the same venue. The Chinese posted a 3-1 win over Nigeria on Thursday.