Former Hawkeye Cloé Lacasse scores in Olympic debut as Canada beats New Zealand

Former University of Iowa standout Cloé Lacasse scored Canada’s opening goal in its 2-1 victory over New Zealand to open the Olympic women’s soccer tournament Thursday in in Saint-Etienne, France.

Lacasse, a two-time first-team All-Big Ten honoree who played for the Hawkeyes from 2011-14, equalized for Canada in first-half stoppage time after Mackenzie Barry gave New Zealand the early lead with a goal in the 13th minute.

The game was Lacasse’s Olympic debut, one summer after making her World Cup debut. Both competitions are considered major tournaments in international women’s soccer.

She plays professionally for Arsenal in England’s Women’s Super League.

Evelyne Viens scored in the 79th minute to put reigning Olympic champion Canada in front in a match that was overshadowed by allegations of drone surveillance at the Ferns’ practice.

The Group A match in Saint-Etienne was controversial before the start when two Canada staffers were sent home early for their alleged involvement with drones that were reported over a pair of New Zealand's practices.

Canada played the opener without coach Bev Priestman, who stepped away from the team for the match to show accountability. However, she was adamant at practice Wednesday that she had no knowledge of the drone use.

FIFA has opened a disciplinary inquiry into the matter, and Canadian Soccer launched an independent review.

Canada next plays host France in Group A play at 2 p.m. (CT) Sunday. The game will be streamed on Peacock.