United States opens SheBelieves Cup with shutout defeat of Argentina

Lindsey Heaps and Jaedyn Shaw scored as the U.S. women's national team defeated Argentina 2-0 in its opening match of the SheBelieves Cup in Nashville, Tenn., 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 U.S. handle the Argentinians, and her tally marked the 12th straight calendar year she scored for the U.S.

Her 39 career goals have come in 171 matches. Meanwhile, the other 10 starters had a combined 110 appearances.

The U.S. is 9-0-2 in the first match of the SheBelieves Cup, 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 faces Argentina in the first match of the Ohio doubleheader.

The tournament wraps up March 7 in Harrison, N.J., when Canada plays Argentina and the U.S. goes 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.

Heaps put the U.S. 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 U.S.

U.S. 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.

--Field Level Media