US women beat China in first of three friendlies

DETROIT, Michigan — Carli Lloyd and Sydney Leroux each scored second half goals to lift the United States women's footballers to a 2-0 victory over China on Saturday.

With the win in the physical match, before a crowd of about 17,371, the Americans remained unbeaten on their postOlympic tour.

The US women claimed gold at the London Games in August with a 21 triumph over Japan in the Olympic final.

Lloyd opened the scoring in the 50th minute, collecting a pass from Tobin Heath near the edge of the penalty area, cutting left and beating Chinese keeper Zhang Yue at the near post.

Leroux added the insurance goal in the 84th minute.

" It was a good game," Lloyd said. " They are a good team, a little physical and chippy, but that makes for a tough game."

The match saw US forward Amy Rodriguez became the 29th player to make 100 appearances with the US women.

It was the eighth match of a 10-game "Fan Tribute Tour" for the Americans. They play China again next Wednesday in Houston, and then again on December 15 at Boca Raton, Florida, to end the tour.

The USA-China rivalry has become more lopsided since they famously met in the 1999 World Cup final. In their last 18 meetings, China have managed just three draws and no victories.