US Defeats Colombia to Reach World Cup Quarterfinals

The United States advanced to the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup tournament with a 2-0 win Monday over Colombia in Edmonton, Canada.

Star forward Alex Morgan, making her second start of the tournament after returning from a knee injury, scored in the 53rd minute on a low shot from the right side that deflected off the goalkeeper’s arm up into the top of the net.  It was her first goal of this World Cup.

Midfielder Carli Lloyd drilled a penalty kick into the open goal in the 66th minute for the second U.S. goal.

The U.S. moves on to play China on Friday in Ottawa.

England also advanced to the quarterfinals Monday with a 2-1 win over Norway.

The Norwegians grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 54th minute with a goal by Solveig Gulbrandsen, but England tied the game seven minutes later when Steph Houghton headed in a corner kick.

England defender Lucy Bronze scored the winning goal in the 76th minute, sending in a shot from outside the penalty area just over the outstretched hands of the leaping Norway keeper.

England will play host Canada on Saturday in Vancouver.

The other quarterfinal matches feature Germany playing France on Friday in Montreal, and Australia going up against the winner of Japan and the Netherlands, who play Tuesday for the right to advance to Saturday’s match in Edmonton.