The U.S. women’s national team opened play in the Algarve Cup by defeating Finland 2-0 in Olhao, Portugal. The U.S. dominated the match, outshooting the Finns 13-1, but weren’t able to find the net until the 51st minute, when Michelle Akers tapped a rebound past Finnish keeper Johanna Lindell. “It’s fun to be playing and back in the lineup,” said Akers, whose goal was the 94th of her outstanding international career. “But obviously, we have to be better if we’re going to win this tournament. As a team, we need to capitalize on our scoring opportunities, have sharper focus and be more creative in the final third.” The Americans completely controlled the possession in the match, as Finland often had all eleven players in its own half for prolonged stretches. Notre Dame midfielder Anne Makinen started in central midfield for the Finns, but was ineffective with such limited offensive support. Brandi Chastain added the second U.S. goal in the 76th minute after Mia Hamm was taken down in the penalty box. Chastain drilled the ensuing spot kick into the left corner for a 2-0 lead. U.S. keeper Tracy Ducar played all 90 minutes to record the shutout; she did not have to make a save. “A solid effort by the United States,” said head coach Tony DiCicco. “It was difficult to break down an organized bunker that the Finns created around their own goal, but we played with discipline and stayed within our game plan. We avoided any defensive breakdowns and didn’t allow any counterattacks.” “It’s good for us to play against different styles and learn to finish effectively even if the other team packs the defense,” said midfielder Julie Foudy. “We’ve been playing great coming off our last training camp and winning the tournament in China. We’re looking to carry that momentum through to win this tournament.” Up next for the Americans in Group A play will be China, which beat Norway 1-0 on a goal by Jin Yan. The two teams square off March 17 in Loule. The U.S. then wraps up group play against Norway on March 19 in Lagos. March 15 in Olhao USA 2 Finland 0. Goals: Akers 51, Chastain (pen.) 76. USA — Ducar, Overbeck (Whalen, 60), Chastain, Fair, Fawcett (Pearce, 73), Foudy, Venturini (Baumgardt, 60), Akers (Keller, 60), Lilly, MacMillan (Roberts, 67), Hamm. Finland — Lindell, Julin, Parnila (Laine, 63), Rasanen, Makinen, Kalmari, (Simonen, 81), Uusi-Luornalahti, Forsell, Ekstroem, Mustonen, Valkonen. Yellow cards: Finland — Ekstroem 18. Referee: Ingrid Johnsson (Denmark). Att.: 250.