Portland to Paris: Sophia Smith and Sam Coffey lead USA to a resounding 3-0 win over Zambia

The Portland Thorns’ “From Portland to Paris” Olympic coverage is presented by Alaska Airlines.

USA 3-0 Zambia‍

Sam Coffey and Sophia Smith starred as the United States secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Zambia in their Olympic opener. 

Trinity Rodman gave the US the perfect start in their chase for a record fifth Olympic gold medal, opening the scoring in the 17th minute. 

Mallory Swanson then scored two goals just minutes apart as the United States opened their Olympics campaign in style, giving Emma Hayes an opening win in her first major international tournament with the USWNT.

The Thorns’ Sam Coffey went the full 90 minutes while Sophia Smith started and played 43 minutes before being replaced by Lynn Williams. 

Canada 2-1 New Zealand

Evelyne Viens scored in the 79th minute off an assist from Jessie Fleming to give reigning Olympic champion Canada a 2-1 victory over New Zealand in their opening match. 

Thorns midfielder Fleming played the full 90 minutes while Janine Beckie came on as a 56th minute substitute. 

‍Germany 3-0 Australia

New Thorns goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold started her Olympics campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Germany. 

‍Nigeria 0-1 Brazil

Thorns defender Nicole Payne was a 74th minute substitute as Nigeria fell 1-0 to Brazil in their Olympic opener.