RIO DE JANEIRO — Mallory Pugh from Highlands Ranch became the youngest American player to score a goal in the Olympics for the U.S. women’s national soccer team at the Rio Olympics on Tuesday night.
Pugh, 18, scored in the 59th minute to break a 1-1 tie, taking a shot from inside the penalty box that was blocked by teammate Christen Press.
Pugh then got the ball, dribbled toward the middle of the box and unleashed a left-footed shot past the Colombian defense.
Colombia scored in the waning moments to force a 2-2 tie, but the Americans still won their group and advanced to the quarterfinals.
Pugh, the 2015 Gatorade national player of the year, became the second-youngest U.S. women’s soccer player to compete in the Olympics at 18 years, 3 months and 5 days.
Pugh plays for Real Colorado and plans to attend UCLA in the fall. She replaced midfielder Megan Rapinoe midway through the first half.
The U.S., which won the World Cup last year, is seeking its fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal. The U.S. will play Sweden on Friday morning in the quarterfinals.
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