America were to claim that point when Lexie Thompson and Christie Kerr overcame Azahara Munoz and Carlota Ciganda 3&2 and the team needed it after the hosts had dominated the morning.

With Europe's overnight lead 5-3, the defending champions were far better in the opening foursomes with three out of the four matches going in their favour.

England's Melissa Reid and Spaniard Ciganda were too strong for the American pairing of Alison Lee and Michelle Wie, coming away with a 4&3 success.

Europe's two other wins were tighter affairs though, with both games being won 1 up.

Charley Hull of England teamed up with Norway's Suzann Pettersen to see off captain's pick Paula Creamer and Morgan Pressel, while Germany's Sandral Gal teamed up with Scot Catriona Matthew to defeat Angela Stanford and Brittany Lincicome.

The sole American victory came in the first match to tee off, with Stacy Lewis and Gerina Piller easing past Swedish pair Anna Nordqvist and Caroline Hedwall 5&4. 

The fourballs will continue tomorrow with America leading two matches still on the course and Europe up in the other.

After that, the singles will be played with 14½ needed for victory.

The Solheim Cup is the women's version of the Ryder Cup, which pits teams from Europe and the US together.

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August 2013: Europe makes history by winning Solheim Cup on American soil