RIO DE JANEIRO (WHDH) — The Olympics kick off Friday but the United States Women’s Soccer Team got a head start on competition, winning their first game Wednesday.
Team USA is the regining World Cup champion and they are looking for their fourth straight gold medal at the Olympics. They took on New Zealand in the opener, with Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan scoring to give the United States a 2-0 win.
The crowd went after goalkeeper Hope Solo, heckling her with chants of “Zika,” likely in response to her Twitter posts about protecting herself about the mosquito-borne virus. Solo told NBC she was glad the fans were having fun.
“The Brazilians, they love soccer, they love football, it’s part of the culture,” said Solo. “So I expect it but they’re having fun. I mean, it’s at least loud in the stadium. I’d rather have that than hear a needle drop.”
Elsewhere, flag-bearer Michael Phelps and the United States Swim Team arrived in Rio, with help from Mark Cuban. The Dallas Mavericks owner lent his private plane to get the swim team to Brazil.
Also arriving in Rio was New England Patriots player Nate Ebner, who is competing on the United States Men’s Rugby Team. Ebner acknowledged the risk of injury he is taking by competing in the Olympics.
“You know bad things can happen, obviously there is risk involved,” said Ebner. “I have a career in football and what not, but those weren’t good enough reasons to not try a once in a lifetime dream.”
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