Sweden dismantles USWNT 3-0 in Olympic opener

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@USWNT

The USWNT’s Olympic journey is off to a shaky start.

Sweden snapped the team’s 44-game unbeaten streak on Wednesday, besting the USWNT 3-0 in the squad’s first group stage match in Tokyo.

Sweden dominated the game for all 90 minutes, governing the midfield and running at the U.S. backline.

After a handful of solid chances early on, Sweden finally capitalized on the game’s lopsided momentum, converting off a corner kick in the 25th minute. Stina Blackstenius nodded in a near-post header to give Sweden a 1-0 lead.

Blackstenius struck again in the 54th minute, beating Alyssa Naeher at close range off a rebounded corner kick to double Sweden’s lead.

Sweden put the game out of reach in the 72nd minute, when Lina Hurtig headed in a cross from Hanna Glas to make it 3-0.

The USWNT will look to get back to its winning ways against New Zealand in the team’s second group stage game on Saturday.