Carli Lloyd, United States Top New Zealand in Friendly Ahead of 2019 World Cup

The United States women's national team continued to build momentum heading toward the World Cup, earning a 5-0 win over New Zealand in an international friendly.

Carli Lloyd scored two second-half goals for the U.S. in Thursday's victory at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, the second of three matches in the Send-Off Series. Tobin Heath also had a big impact with a goal and an assist, while Rose Lavelle and Sam Mewis scored as well.

With five wins in a row dating back to March, the Americans are peaking at the right time.

It was a slow start on a 92-degree day, with New Zealand gaining the only shot for either team in the first 20 minutes; however, it ended up being the only shot from New Zealand all match compared to 25 from the United States, per ESPN.

The Americans showed increased urgency from there, gaining more scoring chances with an aggressive approach, and the U.S. broke the tie in the 35th minute when Heath scored on a tap-in:

Of course, most of the credit went to Megan Rapinoe for her incredible pass:

Five minutes later, another great cross from Lindsey Horan led to Lavelle's goal before halftime:

The second half featured several substitutes looking for eventual spots in the starting XI, including Lloyd, Mewis and Ali Krieger.

Lloyd, 36, took advantage with an easy goal in the 61st minute, just 44 seconds after coming on. Keeping with the theme, it came off a pretty assist from Heath.

With another score in the 83rd minute, she now has five goals in her last three matches. Mewis added a fifth for good measure one minute later.

The Americans remained aggressive throughout, ensuring the Football Ferns had few opportunities in the final third. The team's depth was on full display during what became a rout against a quality opponent also heading to France next month:

What's Next?

The United States—the defending champs from 2015—will face Mexico on May 26 in its final friendly before the World Cup begins June 7. New Zealand will play three more friendlies before heading to France: Mexico on May 22, England on June 1 and Wales on June 4.