SOCCER: USWNT 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 opened the scoring in the 19th minute, and Shaw doubled the lead in the 56th.

Heaps’ goal came as no surprise. The veteran forward’s experience helped the U.S. control the match, and her goal marked the 12th straight calendar year she has scored for the national team. She now has 39 career goals in 171 appearances, while the other 10 starters combined for 110 caps.

The U.S. is 9-0-2 in opening matches at the SheBelieves Cup, a major reason the team has won the tournament seven of the 10 times it has been held. Japan claimed the title last year.

Next up for the Americans is Canada on Wednesday in Columbus, Ohio. Canada defeated Colombia 4-1 on Sunday. Colombia faces Argentina in the first match of the Ohio doubleheader. The tournament concludes on March 7 in Harrison, N.J., with Canada facing Argentina and the U.S. against Colombia.

Tournament points are awarded as follows: three for a win, one for a tie after regulation, and an additional point for winning a penalty-kick shootout.

Heaps’ goal came off a strong run by Emma Sears, who dribbled past three defenders near the right end line and delivered a precise pass to Heaps at the top of the box. Heaps settled the ball with her right foot and curled a left-footed shot into the upper left corner.

Jameese Joseph appeared to score a second goal for the U.S. two minutes later, but it was ruled offside. VAR is not being used in the tournament.

Shaw scored her 10th U.S. goal with an assist from Heaps. Unmarked at the top of the box, Shaw’s shot slipped through the hands of goalkeeper Solana Pereyra. Claudia Dickey made one save for the U.S.

U.S. forward Trinity Rodman left the game in second-half stoppage time after a hard foul left her clutching her back and receiving extended treatment on the field.

—Field Level Media/Reuters