The U.S. Women's National Team opened 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup play on Monday with a 3-1 group play victory over Australia in Winnipeg, Canada. UCLA alumna Sydney Leroux (2008-11) assisted on the game-winning goal in her World Cup debut.

Leroux and her former UCLA teammate Lauren Holiday (2006-09) were both in the starting lineup for the U.S., which is coached by former UCLA head coach Jillian Ellis. Leroux's assist came in the 61st minute when she took a pass by Megan Rapinoe on the left side, ran it on the left flank and then sent a perfect pass back to Christen Press in the box. Press one-timed it to the far post from eight yards out to break a 1-1 tie.

Watch the game-winning goal

Rapinoe scored the other two goals, the first coming in the 12th minute on a deflection, and the second in the 78th minute with a left-footed shot to the far post for the final score.

The U.S. continues Group D on Friday, June 12 at 5pm PT against Sweden in Winnipeg.

Rosie White's New Zealand team lost its World Cup opener on Saturday to the Netherlands, 1-0. White did not play.