U.S. women strike early and hold off Sweden

1:41 PM, Jun 16, 2012   |    comments
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Halmstad, Sweden (Sports Network) - The United States women's national team got goals from Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan in the first half en route to a 3-1 win over Sweden on Saturday at the Sweden Invitational.

The Americans got on the scoreboard after eight minutes with a nice individual effort from Wambach, who unleashed a shot from 30 yards that found the upper corner of the net to give the U.S. an early lead.

The advantage was doubled midway through the opening half when Shannon Boxx played Morgan in behind the Swedish defense, and she was able to finish off the play by holding off a defender and beating goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl.

Sweden answered before halftime through Lotta Schelin, but the U.S. came out strong in the second half as Megan Rapinoe's header struck the crossbar in the opening minute.

Tobin Heath then put the Americans up two goals in the 56th by heading home Wambach's cross, and the U.S. was able to see out the rest of the match without being seriously tested.

Up next for the U.S. women is a 2011 Women's World Cup final rematch with Japan on Monday.

The Sports Network