The United States Women's National Soccer team advanced to the semifinals of the 2012 Olympic Games after their 2-0 win over New Zealand at St. James' Park in Newcastle, England.
Abby Wambach opened up the scoring in the 27th minute, taking a perfect cross from Alex Morgan and tapped it into the far post to give the United States a 1-0 lead. That was the fourth goal in this Olympic Games for Wambach, and it extended the Rochester, NY, native's Olympic scoring streak to five games. The goal was also her 142nd goal of her international career and it moved her just 16 goals behind all-time U.S. scoring leader Mia Hamm.
Tobin Heath of Morristown, NJ, was involved with the second goal, sending a cross-field pass to Sydney Leroux in the 87th minute. Leroux took the Heath pass and after a blazing run through the penalty area, slotting a shot past the New Zealand goalkeeper for her first goal of the tournament.
Heather O'Reilly of New Brunswick, NJ, started the game on the bench, but came in as a substitute for Megan Rapinoe in the 70th minute and played the final 20 minutes in the midfield.
The United States will next take on the winner of the Canada-Great Britain match on Aug 6, which will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester, England.
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