MOORWOOD GUIDES NEW ZEALAND TO 2-2 DRAW IN OLYMPIC OPENER
QINHUANGDAO, China—A young star from Virginia Commonwealth University nearly led her relatively young New Zealand women’s soccer team to its first ever international victory during Wednesday’s Olympic opener. Hayley Moorwood, who scored nine goals and 25 points in two seasons at VCU, helped New Zealand to a 2-2 draw with heavy favorite Japan. The last time the two teams met, New Zealand was beaten 6-0 by the Japanese in Tokyo three years ago.

Under the leadership of Moorwood, the 24-year-old captain, New Zealand struck first with a goal by Kristy Yallop in the 37th minute. The Football Ferns continued attacking in the second half, increasing their lead to 2-0 on a penalty kick goal by Amber Hearn.

Japan crept back into the match with a penalty kick goal of its own. After making a defensive mistake on New Zealand’s opening goal, captain Aya Miyama redeemed herself by driving in Japan’s first goal from 12 yards out with just over 30 minutes to play. Japan tied the match in the 86th minute with Homare Sawa’s near-post touch off a free-kick.

Both New Zealand and Japan now face a must-win situation in their second matches in Group G play. New Zealand will play 2000 gold medalist Norway on Saturday, while Japan will meet the United States, the gold medal team in 1996 and 2004. On Tuesday, New Zealand will square off against the U.S., while Japan and Norway will do battle. Norway defeated the U.S. in their opening round match on Wednesday. New Zealand’s matches can be viewed live via the internet by logging onto http://tvnz.co.nz.