Fitzgerald Cecilio

Jacksonville, FL

New addition Christen Press buried two goals in the first 32 minutes as the United States women's national team made a winner out of coach Tom Sermanni in his debut with a 4-1 victory over Scotland in a soccer friendly Saturday at EverBank Field.

Press, a former Stanford star who was the second-leading scorer in Sweden's first division last season for F.C. Goteborg, made an immediate impact in her debut, becoming just the third player to score two goals in her first game behind Cindy Parlow and Sherrill Kester.

"I was hoping that my first cap would be my first start and my first goal all in the same day," said Press, who became the 17th player overall to score a goal in her first WNT match.

"I was sort of going for the trifecta and my teammates made it really easy for me so I'm really thankful to them," added Press.

Press' outstanding debut created a winner out of Sermanni, who replaced Pia Sundhage as women's team coach.

"It's good to get the team out on the park," Sermanni said. "I'm still trying to get to know the players and getting to know how they play and all things they can do. So, the match was a really valuable experience to get started.

Press corralled a weak clearance and fired a left-footed shot from the top of the penalty area in the 13th minute and scored on a header in the 32nd minute to give the Americans a 2-0 lead.

Press also assisted on Shannon Boxx's 26th career goal and Sydney Leroux recorded her 15th career tally in the second half as the Americans extended their unbeaten streak to 24 games (21-0-3).

The USA also improved to 22-4-3 in its calendar year openers since the team debuted in 1985.

"What impressed me was the number of chances that they got and how they can create chances all at times. At times, some of the combinations impressed me. So just the way they focus and go about doing the job and winning games is very impressive," Sermanni said.

The Americans will play Scotland anew Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee.