Match Report

GWANGJU, South Korea – Team USA kicked off the 2015 World University Games with a 1-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday, July 2, at Honam University Football Field.

Lauren Milliet struck for the only goal of the game in the 34th minute, finishing a give-and-go with Kaeli Vandersluis from the middle of the box.

Milliet led all players with four shots, all of which were on frame.

Team USA finished with a 13-6 advantage in total shots and a 6-3 edge in corner kicks.

Goalkeeper Rowan Frederiksen stopped the only three shots the RSA put on target.

She also came up with a big play in the 80th minute when she came off her line to break up a dangerous corner kick.

The South Africans controlled long sections of the second half and had good scoring chances in the 47th, 51st and 55th minute.

Jessie Ayers had a golden chance to double Team USA's lead in the 70 minute, but her shot was blocked by an RSA defender in the box. 

"We battled and kept our composure through a game where we didn't have our best stuff," head coach Geoff Bennett said. "South Africa was difficult to play against, but I thought our players did a fantastic job getting our first three points in international competition."

In the other Pool D contest, Canada posted a 2-0 victory over France at Boseong Public Stadium.

Team USA plays France on Saturday, July 4, at 4:30 p.m. local time, 1:30 a.m. MT.

Follow the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #CCTeamUSA.