The Americans jumped off to a strong start in the pursuit, beating Japan 1-0 in Tianjin on Thursday. Stuart Holden scored in the 47th minute when goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa only partially blocked his shot, allowing the ball to trickle over the goal line.

The victory put the Americans in control of their preliminary group with games against the Netherlands and Nigeria remaining. Those teams played to a scoreless tie Thursday.

"To come out of this with a good three points was our first goal," Holden said.

Seitz did not play, instead backing up starter Brad Guzan as expected. And Guzan performed well, turning away several good chances in the first half when the Japanese controlled the game. Former RSL striker Freddy Adu also played for the Americans, who are working to avenge their failure to make the Olympic field four years ago.

"We have a strong team, and I think we can go far in this tournament," Adu said.