Defending champion Canada tops New Zealand 2-1 in Olympic soccer opener

SAINT-ETIENNE — The Canadian women’s soccer team is opening the Paris Games with a 2-1 victory over New Zealand.

Cloe Lacasse and Evelyne Viens scored for the defending champions in the Group A opener at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium.

Mackenzie Barrie tallied early in the first half for New Zealand before Lacasse tied it late in first-half stoppage time. Viens scored the winner in the 79th minute after a brilliant pass by Canadian captain Jessie Fleming.

Assistant coach Andy Spence served as acting head coach for Canada after Bev Priestman volunteered to sit out.