UNDER-20 WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: USA edges DR Congo, 2-1

The USA struggled to put away the Democratic Republic of Congo in the opening game of the Under-20 Women's World Championship in Russia.

Goals on either side of halftime came from Stanford recruit Kelley O'Hara and USC star Amy Rodriguez, who converted a penalty, gave the Americans a 2-0 lead, but the Congolese made it close when Tresorine Nzuzi scored in the 70th minute.

The game drew only 300 fans at Moscow's Torpedo Stadium. In the other Group D opener, France crushed Argentina, 5-0. The other CONCACAF finalists split. Two late goals by Cynthia Uwak gave Nigeria a stunning 3-2 win over Canada, while Mexico beat Switzerland, 4-2. The Tri got two first-half goals from 14-year-old sensation Charlyn Corral.

Aug. 17 in Moscow

USA 2 DR Congo 1. Goals: O'Hara 33, Rodriguez pen. 65; Nzuzi 70.

USA — Haig, Logterman, Krzysik (Hardy, 46), Lopez, Heath, DiMartino, Poach, Long (Wagenfuhr, 84), Angeli (Nogueira, 46), OÆHara, Rodriguez.

DR Congo — Buazo, Tezi, Kiuvu, Mafuala, Amani (Wadio, 86), Kuyangisa, Lumbu, Bongo, Nzuzi, Nshimire, Zenga (Malembo, 51).

Referee: Claudine Brohet (Belgium).

Att.: 300.