The United States have advanced to the semi-finals of the Olympics following a 2-0 win over New Zealand.
It was the US who started the stronger, with Tobin Heath and Alex Morgan both testing Jenny Bindon within the opening two minutes of play.
New Zealand also threatened, and came close via Katie Hoyle after nine minutes, but she struck a long-range effort wide of the post.
The best chance of the opening period fell to Morgan moments later, but she just dragged her shot wide after rounding Bindon in the penalty area.
The US continued to dominate as the half advanced, but Abby Wambach somehow slotted wide from close range as the scores remained level.
The goal eventually came for the US after 27 minutes when Wambach tapped home her fourth goal of the tournament to send her side ahead.
New Zealand continued to struggle in the latter stages of the half, with the US entering the break ahead.
Morgan had a glorious chance to put the US 2-0 ahead moments into the second period, but she hit the side-netting from close range.
Carli Lloyd and Wambach continued to pass up chances for the US with 30 minutes remaining, with New Zealand struggling to get Amber Hearn into the game.
The Kiwis' main threat continued to come from the long ball into the box. However, Ali Riley passed up the chance to hit the target from close range after 70 minutes.
Controversy emerged late on when Morgan clashed with Bindon while through on goal, but no decision was given much to the frustration of the US bench.
The late flurry never really emerged from New Zealand, with the US booking their spot in the last four courtesy of a late strike from Sydney Leroux.
They will meet either Canada or Team GB in the semi-finals.
Matt Law
