United States defender Emily Fox (19) brings the ball up the pitch against New Zealand midfielder Ria Percival (2) during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Lynn Williams (3) tries to recover the ball during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match against New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States defender Sofia Huerta (8) kicks the ball during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match against New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States midfielder Jaelin Howell (10) headers the ball againt a New Zealand defender during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Mallory Pugh (9) attacks the goal during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States midfielder Kristie Mewis (22) takes a corner kick against New Zealand during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Trinity Rodman (2) vies for the ball against New Zealand defender Rebekah Stott (6) during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States midfielder Andi Sullivan (17) recovers the ball during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match against New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Ashley Hatch (7) attacks the goal during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match against New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States midfielder Ashley Sanchez (13) dribbles the ball during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match against New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
New Zealand forward Ava Collins (18) beats United States midfielder Jaelin Howell (10) to header the ball during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher (1) makes a save during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match against New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
A US women’s fan waves a flag during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Lynn Williams (3) headers the ball during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States defender Emily Fox (19) throws the ball in during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match against New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States defender Sofia Huerta (8) looks for an open teammate during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match against New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Sophia Smith (11) attacks the goal during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match against New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States midfielder Catarina Macario (20) dribbles past New Zealand midfielder Ria Percival (2) during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States defender Sofia Huerta (8) brings the ball up the pitch against New Zealand forward Gabi Rennie (9) during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Ashley Hatch (7) battles New Zealand defender Claudia Bunge (3) for the ball during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States head coach Vlatko Andonovski looks on during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match against New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States midfielder Ashley Sanchez (13) dribbles the ball as New Zealand defender CJ Bott (4) starts a slide tackle during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Margaret Purce (23) chases the ball against New Zealand defender Ali Riley (7) during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Margaret Purce (23) headers the ball during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match against New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
US women’s fans reacts to the camera during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
A US women’s fan holds up a banner prior to the start of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States midfielder Kristie Mewis (22) attempts a goal shot which is called offsides during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match against New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
US women’s fans reacts prior to the start of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Sophia Smith (11) pushes off against New Zealand defender Katie Bowen (14) during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
A man and two children look on during the national anthem prior to the start of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
A US women’s fan reacts to the camera prior to the start of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
New Zealand defender CJ Bott, left, reacts after receiving a yellow card for a foul against United States forward Sophia Smith, right, during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
A US women’s fan waves a flag prior to the start of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
A US women’s soccer fan looks on while the national anthem plays prior to the start of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match between the United States and New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States head coach Vlatko Andonovski heads to the locker room prior to the start of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Margaret Purce (23) chases the ball against New Zealand defenders during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States midfielder Ashley Sanchez (13) vies for the ball against New Zealand forward Olivia Chance (11) during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States defender Sofia Huerta (8) headers the ball during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match against New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States midfielder Ashley Sanchez (13) kicks the ball toward the goal during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match against New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Ashley Hatch (7) dribbles the ball against New Zealand during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Mallory Pugh (9) brings the ball up the pitch during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Mallory Pugh (9) reacts after scoring a goal during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match against New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Mallory Pugh (9) kicks the ball for a goal during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match against New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Mallory Pugh (9) jumps pn United States midfielder Jaelin Howell (10) after Pugh scores a goal during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Mallory Pugh (9) celebrates with teammates after Pugh scores a goal during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Ashley Hatch (7) is hugged by teammates forward Lynn Williams (3) and midfielder Kristie Mewis (22) after scoring a goal during the second half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. United States beat New Zealand 5-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Margaret Purce (23) brings the ball up the pitch during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match against New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Sophia Smith (11) chases the ball against New Zealand defender CJ Bott (4) during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States defender Alana Cook (15) headers the ball during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match against New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States defender Alana Cook (15) headers the ball during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match against New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States forward Sophia Smith (11) tries to recover the ball again New Zealand defender Katie Bowen (14) during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
United States celebrates after a New Zealand own goal during the first half of the SheBelieves Cup Day 2 match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
CARSON — Sometimes you need a break to get on track, and the U.S. Women’s national soccer team received three in the first half Sunday.
The U.S. came out getting numbers in the attacking third and it resulted in a pair of own goals by the New Zealand defense less than two minutes apart and a third later in the first half.
All three own goals were by the same New Zealand player (Meikayla Moore).
In the end, it all added up to a 5-0 win for the U.S. at Dignity Health Sports Park on day two of the SheBelieves Cup in front of 16,587.
The U.S. (1-0-1, four points) will conclude the tournament Wednesday in Frisco, Texas against Iceland (6 p.m., ESPN2).
“If you look at the way we built up to the opportunities, it was very good,” U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski said. “We were able to impose ourselves early on the opponent and set up a rhythm and pace that suits us and how we want to play.”
“I’m happy with the result, but I’m not any more happy than I was with the last result. We want to win every game and every tournament, but the development of this group of players is what is taking priorities now.”
The U.S. struggled Thursday trying to break down the Czech Republic defense, that wasn’t the case against New Zealand.
From the outset Sophia Smith and Margaret Purce were causing trouble for New Zealand, getting down the wings, forcing the defense on its heels, leading toward Moore’s forgettable day.
“It says own goal, but you can’t take away from the fact that we did great work putting the ball in great spaces,” Purce said. “We tried to put the ball in spaces where no matter who touches it, it will go in and that’s what happened.”
New Zealand coach Jitka Klimkova subbed off Moore in the 40th minute.
“Any player who has played can have a great game, amazing game or a tough game,” Klimkova said. “She had a tough day in the office. Obviously, she’s sad and disappointed …we know who she is and we know how great of a player she is and we are going to support her as much as possible and we will be behind her.”
On the other side of halftime, the U.S. finally accomplished its objective of putting the ball into the net as Ashley Hatch got on the end of a Sofia Huerta header for a 4-0 lead.
“Any time I step on the field, I want to score,” Hatch said. “We definitely had the extra motivation to finish one (a goal) for ourselves in the second half.”
In the waning moments of the game, Mallory Pugh scored to make it 5-0.
Monrovia’s Ashley Sanchez made her first start with the national team. She was subbed off after 67 minutes.
“She gave us what we needed,” Andonovski said of Sanchez. “We needed a Rose Lavelle type of player and that what she gave us.
“She was the one that broke lines on the dribble and got us into the next zone. I was very happy with her performance. She did some things that were brave and she has special qualities that we have to support and be patient with her.”
Trinity Rodman made her second appearance for the national team, coming on as a sub in the 56th minute. She was eventually taken off after an ankle injury. Andonovski said wasn’t too concerned about the severity of the injury.
