Olivia Chance of New Zealand and Emily Fox of USA during a women’s international football friendly game between the New Zealand Football Ferns and the U.S. Photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz
The USA have beaten the Football Ferns 4-0 in their friendly in Wellington.
It was 0-0 at half time, but the world number one ranked side then opened up the game after the break, showing their class against a New Zealand team missing many of the experienced players.
A record crowd of more than 12,000 watched the Football Ferns hold off the highly fancied world champions in the first 45 minutes with some solid defence, while the USA looked a little rusty.
It wasn't until the 19th minute that the Americans had their first shot on goal and it needed the foot of keeper Erin Nayler to keep it out.
Ten minutes later Nayler was helped by the woodwork from a long shot from winger Margaret Purse.
They had the ball in the back of the net just before the break but Lindsay Horan was ruled off-side from a free kick.
No score at half time represented a good performance by the Ferns who had little possession.
The USA obviously wanted to up the tempo in the second half and the chances started to come thick and fast.
Mallory Swanson scored twice for the USA. Photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz
Seven minutes in and Mallory Swanson headed in a cross to put the visitors on top.
In the 60th minute, veteran US forward Alex Morgan then showed the skill that has made her a finalist for world player of the year, turning and shooting past Nayler.
Swanson then got her second from a superb long pass and she rounded the keeper to score.
The wave of attacks continued and the depleted Ferns side were holding on as best they could.
Their defence was opened up and if it hadn't been for some lack of control in the penalty box the score could have been a lot higher.
The Americans had made a number of substitutions by now and newcomer Lynn Williams headed home their fourth in the 75th minute.
The Ferns two most experienced players were the standouts with captain Ali Riley tireless in defence and midfielder Betsy Hassett the inspiration for their limited attacks.
The visitors had the speed and the skill across the park, but Purse led the way with her regular runs into the New Zealand defence.
Ferns coach Jitka Klimkova started the most experienced side she could, with captain Riley leading the side out in her 148th international.
Just three other players, Erin Nayler, Betsy Hassett and Anna Green have more than 40 caps, while defender Grace Neville made her debut.
Most of the bench did manage to get some valuable game time in the second half.
The USA started many of their World Cup stars including captain Becky Sauerbrunn, Alex Morgan, Lindsey Horan and Rose Lavelle.
The second game is at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.