(Reuters) - Carli Lloyd scored a brace of goals as the United States women thrashed New Zealand 5-0 in a friendly in St Louis on Thursday to extend their winning run to five games ahead of their World Cup title defence in France. The U.S. were on the back foot for much of the first half but hit New Zealand with a two-goal burst before the break and piled on the punishment after. Tobin Heath opened the scoring at 34 minutes when she side-footed home from close range to complete a nice move started down the left. Rose Lavelle doubled the lead five minues later when she finished off a similar move and cross from the left flank. New Zealand open their World Cup against the Netherlands on June 11 before facing Canada and Cameroon.

Source: The Star May 17, 2019 02:15 UTC