U.S. Coach Jill Ellis blamed the team's early struggles in Monday's women's soccer World Cup opener on nerves since eight players on the team were making their World Cup debuts.
But one player she said she didn't have to worry about was midfielder Megan Rapinoe. And Rapinoe rewarded that confidence with two goals in a 3-1 win by the U.S. over Australia.
"Megan thrives in these big games, big moments," Ellis said. "She's got ice water running through her veins, but a lot of passion inside of her. She's a game changer. And that's what makes her special.