(Sports Network) - Carli Lloyd scored in the 27th minute as the United States defeated Japan, 1-0, on Saturday in Olympic women's soccer to bounce back from a loss to Norway in its opener. The United States had its 22-game unbeaten streak snapped on Wednesday in a 2-0 loss to Norway, but Lloyd's goal midway through the opening half at Qinhuangdao Stadium was all the No. 1-ranked Americans needed return to their winning ways.

The U.S. will try to clinch a spot in the knockout stage Tuesday when it plays New Zealand in its final game in Group G. Japan ends group play against Norway.

In Saturday's other early matches, 2007 World Cup winner Germany edged Nigeria, 1-0, in Shenyang in Group F, and Sweden defeated Argentina, 1-0, in Tianjin in Group E.

U.S. goalie Hope Solo, who had her 55-match unbeaten streak snapped in the loss to Norway, made her biggest save of the game against Japan in the 22nd minute. Solo had to jump to deflect a dipping shot from Japan's Homare Sawa just over the bar.

Just five minutes later, Stephanie Cox hustled to keep the ball in bounds down the left sideline to set up Lloyd's goal. Cox, who started in place of injured Lori Chalupny, got to the ball near the end line and quickly delivered a cross into the penalty area.

Cox's cross narrowly missed the United States' Amy Rodriguez, who attempted to head the ball, and rolled to Lloyd at the top of the penalty area. Lloyd hit a one-time shot with her right foot into the upper left of the goal. Lloyd's goal was her 18th in international play.

Rodriguez, who replaced Natashi Kai in the starting lineup, had a chance to put the U.S. up two goals before halftime but wasted a breakaway chance. She slowed down just inside the area and tried to chip the ball over Japan goalkeeper Miho Fukumoto, but mis-hit the ball and it popped right into the goalie's hands.

The United States continued to create scoring chances early in the second half, but Lloyd headed wide in the 57th, Shannon Boxx was denied by a diving save by Fukumoto in the 59th, and Rodriguez wasted another breakaway in the 62nd when she rushed a shot and fired well high.

The United States continued to have problems finishing its offensive chances - proving how much it misses injured star Abby Wambach - as Lloyd headed a chance wide from just five yards out in the 72nd minute and Heather Mitts was denied by Fukumoto on a long-range shot in the 73rd.

Kai, who was a late substitute, shot into the side netting from inside the area in the 89th minute as the U.S. wasted its final chance of the match but held on in the closing seconds.

Solo made just two saves, but played well overall. Although Japan didn't create a ton of good scoring chances, it did send a few dangerous crosses into the box that Solo either punched out or grabbed.

Germany, which tied Brazil 0-0 in a rematch of the 2007 World Cup final in its opener, also picked up its first win of the Olympic tournament on a goal in the 65th minute from defender Kerstin Stegemann.

German striker Anja Mittag set up the goal with a sliding cross from the left, and Stegemann slotted the ball inside the right post from just a few yards out. Nigeria goalie Precious Dede had no chance to make a save.

Nigeria also lost its opener to South Korea, 1-0. Nigeria ends the group stage against Brazil on Tuesday and Germany plays South Korea.

Sweden also earned its first win of the Olympics as Nilla Fischer scored in the 57th minute of the win over Argentina. Sweden dropped its first match, 2-1, to China on Wednesday.

Sweden plays Canada on Tuesday in its last group game and Argentina will try to post its first win and keep any hopes of advancing alive when it plays China.

Canada plays China, Brazil plays South Korea and New Zealand plays Norway later Saturday as the women wrap up the second day of games in the group stage.

All 12 teams return to action Tuesday in the final matches of group play.



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