U.S. Women's Soccer Steamrolls Dominican Republic in Olympic Qualifying Opener

The United States Women’s National Team opened up Olympic qualifying with a dominant performance, defeating the Dominican Republic for a 14-0 final which was split between two 7-0 halves.

Simply outmatched, the Dominican Republic defense was continually barraged by a series of hard, quick runs behind, slick give-an-go's, tight possession play and repeated service across the mouth of their goal.

Here are six thoughts from the game.

It Didn’t Take Long for the U.S. to Assert Itself

The U.S. scored three goals within the first 10 minutes with goals from Abby Wambach, Carli Lloyd and Rachel Buehler.

The first goal came only 57 seconds into the match as Carli Lloyd put Heather O’Reilly in behind the Dominican defense. O’Reilly then beat another defender and put in a perfectly feathered service to Wambach which Wambach headed home with no problem.

The second goal came in the fourth minute as Amy LePeilet made a run down the line and put in a service which Wambach put on goal only to be saved by the Dominican keeper. Carli Lloyd picked up the scraps putting the U.S. ahead, 2-0.

The third goal again came from work by Wambach and O’Reilly. O’Reilly won a corner which was taken by Lauren Cheney. Wambach headed the corner on frame and the rebound was put away by Rachel Buehler.

O’Reilly Looks Primed to Have a Monster Tournament

Heather O’Reilly finished the night with three goals and three assists and contributed to a number of other goals with her relentless work on the flanks.

O’Reilly did everything Friday night, running at defenders, coolly finishing her chances and providing tremendous service from the flanks.

While the U.S.’s future opponents in the tournament certainly won’t be as weak as the Dominican’s, O’Reilly looks to be in fine form.

Will Abby Wambach Be Able to Survive 4 Games in 8 Days?

Wambach was dominant from the get go with her work in the air particularly impressive. However, she took a number of knocks and was cautiously replaced at half time.

Wambach finished the half with both knees wrapped after having them ripped open on the artificial turf. She was also knocked to the ground repeatedly, something that will only increase as the U.S. faces increasingly better teams.

Will Unwillingness to Play Wambach & Morgan Together Ultimately Cost the U.S.?

Alex Morgan, one of the team’s best performers over the past year, again started the game on the bench. Had the game been tighter, she probably would not have even gotten the 45 minutes of playing time she did, with Wambach typically preferred as the lone striker.

In Sundhage’s 4-2-3-1 system, it would seem that Morgan would be perfectly fitted for one of the outside positions with her pace and goal-scoring ability.

The Success of the Night Was Marred by the Injury to Ali Krieger

Ali Krieger, one of the most consistent performers for the USWNT this summer in the World Cup, was injured in the 39^th minute.

While taking a shot, Krieger was smashed into by a Dominican defender and Krieger’s knee bent sideways. Watching the replay, and Krieger’s reaction to the injury, it's clear that ligament damage is a distinct possibility.

An MRI is scheduled for today.

Sundhage Should Continue to Play Lauren Cheney in Behind the Striker

Although Sundhage had seemed to prefer Megan Rapinoe at the withdrawn forward position in previous friendlies, Lauren Cheney got the start Friday night and didn’t disappoint.

Cheney’s versatility makes her the best choice for the position as Cheney can finish, distribute, shoot from distance and run at defenders, a skill set that no one else on the U.S. frontline has.

Cheney finished the night with a goal and four assists.

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