July 17, 2007

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The U.S. U-20 women's national team has taken control of Group B in women's soccer with a 7-1 win over Paraguay and 3-1 victory over Panama in the opening two games of the XV Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The American side has been aided in its efforts by three Tar Heel sophomores, all starters for Carolina -- attacking presence Casey Nogueira, middie/forward Nikki Washington and wing midfielder Tobin Heath. Nogueira and Heath have contributed goals in the first two U.S. wins.

The Americans had a hat trick from forward Lauren Cheney, two goals from Kelley O'Hara and goals from Casey Nogueira and Jessica McDonald in the win over Paraguay. Cheney, O'Hara and Tobin Heath scored against Panama.