USA beats North Korea 2-0 behind Lauren Cheney's goal

[_Simpson_ 250]

Yeah that's right Kim, we kicked your team's a s s in soccer. A sport in which our best athletes don't usually choose.

DRESDEN, Germany — A surprise starter made the difference Tuesday as the U.S. women's soccer team, thanks to Lauren Cheney, opened with a 2-0 semi-impressive victory over North Korea as it seeks to win its first World Cup since 1999.

Rachel Buehler is congratulated by her teammate Ali Krieger after scoring the USA's second goal during the group C match between the United States and North Korea at the Women's World Cup in Dresden, Germany, on Tuesday, The USA won 2-0.

By Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

Rachel Buehler is congratulated by her teammate Ali Krieger after scoring the USA's second goal during the group C match between the United States and North Korea at the Women's World Cup in Dresden, Germany, on Tuesday, The USA won 2-0.

Enlarge

By Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

Rachel Buehler is congratulated by her teammate Ali Krieger after scoring the USA's second goal during the group C match between the United States and North Korea at the Women's World Cup in Dresden, Germany, on Tuesday, The USA won 2-0.

Cheney, 23, is from Indianapolis, so it was a Midwesterner who took the field in Central Europe and quickly found herself in the middle of things.

A starter at left midfielder instead of expected first-stringer Megan Rapinoe, Cheney quickly found herself with a few scoring chances.

None of them panned out in the first half, however, as the U.S. team, struggling to get a handle on North Korea's speedy and organized attack, went to the locker room at halftime tied 0-0.

The Americans came out with a better plan of attack, though, and just nine minutes into the second half, U.S. star forward Abby Wambach took a long pass and found herself in the left corner with the North Korean defense struggling to get back.

Wambach launched a beautiful cross that found Cheney all alone. Cheney delivered a perfectly placed header, bouncing it across the grain to the far left post.

That gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead.

Later, defender Rachel Buehler delivered a rare goal, kicking it into the left corner while falling down after gathering possession on a scramble that North Korea failed to clear. It was Buehler's second international goal.

So, the U.S. path to this World Cup might have been unofficially known as The Long and Bumpy Road.

But after one game, and a sweet effort from Cheney, the World Cup tournament itself has the potential to be a nicer ride.

The road continues Saturday with a Group C game against Colombia. Colombia lost earlier Tuesday to Sweden, 1-0.

Edited June 28, 2011 by _Simpson_

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

This could be their year. Germany, Brazil, France, and the US in that order for favorites, but the US has a way better coach this time and not that knot head that they had in China (goalie incident).

[Darnell 8,479]

I think the Uncos will be upset, maybe have new clip on the Korean History Channel ?

Edited June 28, 2011 by Darnell

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

I think the Uncos will be upset, maybe have new clip on the Korean History Channel ?

[Darnell 8,479]

Oh man - I love the Uncos - they are the shiznit !

[Darnell 8,479]

so, here's their piece from last year on the World Cup - so nice, la.