LE HAVRE, France — An early goal by Lindsey Horan and an own goal by Sweden carried the United States to a 2-0 victory at the World Cup on Thursday, the third consecutive dominant performance by the Americans in defense of their world title.
Horan scored on a goal-mouth scramble in the third minutes and Jonna Andersson was credited with an own goal after deflecting in a hard, tight-angle shot by Tobin Heath in the 50th minute. Heath, who teased the Sweden defenders from her right-wing position most of the night and also offered a hustling defensive performance, was named the game’s most valuable player.