The U.S. women’s soccer team rallied from two goals down in the first 14 minutes to defeat France in the first match of the Olympics today, two days prior to the official opening of the London games.

The USA’s Carli Lloyd banged a long one in for the go ahead goal in the second half. But it wasn’t wrapped up until the 66th minute when UNC’s Tobin Heath took a pass in open space and advanced the ball to the left side of the goal, passing it along the grass in front of the goal to an open Alex Morgan on the far side to make it 4-2.

The goal dampened France’s spirits and chances of coming back.

Heath had a strong game showing good ball possession skills and defense that forced France into errors.

UNC’s Heather O’Reilly, who has been a starter for the national team, did not play.

Heath’s increased playing time came at the expense of O’Reilly, who is going for her third gold medal at the Olympics. Coach Pia Sundhage had been giving Heath more time in Olympic warm-up wins over Canada and Japan. She must have liked what she saw because Heath’s starting at left midfield instead of the veteran O’Reilly is definitely a new wrinkle for the U.S. lineup.

While one veteran observer speculated that O’Reilly may be in the coach’s doghouse, it could also simply be that Heath is playing better right now. Still, it was strange not to see O’Reilly, one of the most visible members of the team, on the field at all.

After the game, O’Reilly was celebrating the victory and didn’t appear to be nicked up or brooding.

The USA plays Colombia Saturday afternoon.