Ertz leads U.S. to win over New Zealand

Julie Ertz scored twice in an eight-minute span in the first half, Orlando Pride star Alex Morgan added a goal in the 79th minute and the United States women beat New Zealand 3-1 late Friday night at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo.

Morgan tied Cindy Parlow for seventh on the U.S. national-team goals list with 75.

In the 16th minute, Denver-area native Lindsey Horan headed a cross toward goal and Ertz redirected it home. In the 24th, Megan Rapinoe headed it off the post and Ertz sent it in from distance.

New Zealand cut it to 2-1 in the 75th when Hannah Wilkinson headed in Ali Riley’s cross that bounced in front of the goal. But Morgan gave the U.S. a twogoal lead again four minutes later on a tough-angle shot off the hand of Erin Nayler.

Kelley O’Hara wore the captain’s armband and became the 36th player to appear in 100 matches for the U.S. Second-half substitute Sofia Huerta made her debut and assisted on Morgan’s goal.

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris not play in the friendly.

The U.S. and New Zealand will play again Tuesday at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. did

Former Orlando Pride forward Lisa De Vanna and NWSL star Sam Kerr scored, helping the Australian women's national team top Brazil 2-1 during a friendly at Pepper Stadium in Penrith, Australia.

The match drew a soldout announced crowd of 17,000.

Pride standouts Alanna Kennedy and Steph Catley both played key roles for Australia, with Kennedy recording an assist on Kerr's goal.

Orlando star Marta led the Brazil side. Debinha scored late for the Canarinhas, but it wasn't enough to catch surging Australia.

The two teams will face off again in Australia Tuesday at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The match will be played at Newcastle International Sports Centre in New Lambton, South Wales.