Lindsey Heaps and Jaedyn Shaw scored as the US women’s national team defeated Argentina 2-0 in their opening match of the SheBelieves Cup in Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday.
Heaps made it 1-0 in the 19th minute, and Shaw doubled the count in the 56th.
That Heaps scored is no surprise. Her veteran presence helped the US handle the Argentinians, and her tally marked the 12th straight calendar year she scored for the US.
Her 39 career goals have come in 171 matches. Meanwhile, the other 10 starters on Saturday had a combined 110 appearances; a relatively untested lineup for Emma Hayes in what should be the weakest opponent the US will face in the three-match SheBelieves Cup.
US forward Trinity Rodman left in second-half stoppage time after a hard foul left her clutching her back and being tended to for several minutes. The incident raised worries for the US and for her club side, the Washington Spirit, given that Rodman has dealt with back issues for much of her career.
Heaps put the US in front thanks to a strong run by Emma Sears, who dribbled through three players near the right end line and sent a crisp ball to Heaps at the top of the box. She settled the ball with her right foot then unleashed a curling left-footed shot into the upper left corner.
Jameese Joseph appeared to make it 2-0 two minutes later but she was ruled offside to the dismay of the Americans. VAR is not being used in the tournament.
Shaw notched her 10th U.S. goal with an assist from Heaps. Shaw was unmarked at the top of the box and while her shot was rising, the ball went through the hands of goalkeeper Solana Pereyra.
Claudia Dickey made one save for the US
The US is 9-0-2 in the first match of the SheBelieves Cup, which is a big reason the USWNT has won the tourney seven of 10 times it has been held, although Japan claimed the title last year.
Ahead for the Americans is Canada on Wednesday in Columbus, Ohio. The Canadians defeated Colombia 4-1 on Sunday. Colombia face Argentina in the first match of the Ohio doubleheader.
The tournament wraps up on 7 March in Harrison, New Jersey, when Canada play Argentina and the US go against Colombia.
The winner is determined on points: three for a win, one for a tie after regulation and another point for winning the penalty-kick shootout.
