New Zealand players celebrate with Kayla Sharland (3rd R) after she scored during their women's Group B hockey match against the US at the Riverbank Arena. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett
Captain Kayla Sharland opened the scoring in just the second minute after converting a penalty corner.
The US hit back in the 16th minute through Kathleen O'donnell before Gemma Flynn put New Zealand back in the lead three minutes later.
The US again levelled the scores when Claire Laubach scored from a penalty corner to make it 2-2 at the break.
Clarissa Eshuis then scored a late winner to secure a third win at the tournament for New Zealand. They now share first place with Australia on nine points, with Argentina and Germany yet to play this morning both sitting a win back.
The top two teams go through to the semifinals which the Black Sticks can secure with a victory in their final match against Germany.
