The U.S. U17 Women’s National Team opened up their 2016 World Cup campaign with a 6-1 victory over Paraguay on Saturday. Civana Kuhlmann led the way with three goals including the game-winner. Frankie Tagliaferri opened the scoring in the 11th minute with Kuhlmann adding her first goal in the 14th minute. The Colorado Rush striker added her second goal of the game early in the second half. Paraguay struck back on a header off a corner kick to bring the game to 3-1 with 35 minutes left in the game.
Kiara Pickett, Ashley Sanchez, and Kuhlmann all scored in the final 21 minutes of the game to help the USA cruise to the win.
In the other Group D game, Japan defeated Ghana 5-0. USA takes on Ghana on Tuesday at 9 a.m. (ET).
The opener for the USA showed off the strengths of the team and a few of the weaknesses, as the U.S. readies for more difficult competition as the tournament progresses.
