University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Rio Roundup - Aug. 3, 2016
August 03, 2016 | Women's Soccer, Bruin Athletics
Olympic competition began on Wednesday with women's soccer matches for Canada, Brazil, New Zealand and the United States. Incoming UCLA freshmen Jessie Fleming (Canada) and Mal Pugh (USA) each earned starts for their respective countries in their opening day victories.
Fleming was a standout for Team Canada in its 2-0 win over Australia, making some key defensive plays while the Canadians were down to 10 players and assisting on Christine Sinclair's goal in the 80th minute. Fleming nearly scored a goal herself in the 75th minute, but her shot was cleared off the line by an Australian defender. However, her long service to Sinclair five minutes later resulted in a goal to double up the Canadian team's lead.Unreal first-touch assist from @_jessiefleming on Canada's second goal against Australia at the 2016 Olympics pic.twitter.com/F3EmhA4aJe
โ J.R. Eskilson (@JREskilson) August 3, 2016
Pugh played 50 minutes for Team USA in its 2-0 win over New Zealand. The U.S. team is coached by former UCLA head coach Jill Ellis and includes alternate Sam Mewis (UCLA '14). Rosie White (UCLA '14) did not play for New Zealand.
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Take a look at the #USWNT Starting XI for #USAvNZL. #OneNationOneTeam pic.twitter.com/BRGpFnP25k
โ U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) August 3, 2016
Also in action Wednesday was Brazil, which defeated China, 3-0. UCLA goalkeeper coach Aline Reis did not play.
All four teams will next play on Saturday, Aug. 6. Canada faces Zimbabwe at 11am PT (Live Stream), the U.S. plays France at 1pm PT (Live Stream), New Zealand plays Colombia at 4pm PT (Live Stream), and Brazil plays Sweden at 6pm PT (Live Stream).
