Morgan Leads U.S. to Victory

The U.S. Women’s National Team came from behind thanks to two late Alex Morgan goals to defeat New Zealand, 2-1, in an international friendly on Saturday afternoon at FC Dallas Stadium (formerly Pizza Hut Park) in Frisco, Texas. Morgan, who gained a reputation as a super-sub during the 2011 Women’s World Cup, started this match, but still saved her best for late, tallying in the 88th minute and deep into stoppage time.

Morgan struck first in the 88th minute, heading in a cross from substitute Megan Rapinoe. Her effort hit off the post and rolled into the net. Goalkeeper Jenny Bindon grabbed the ball, but only after it had crossed the line and the referees ruled it as a goal, knotting the match at 1-1.

The 22-year-old Morgan gave the home team the lead five minutes later. With the U.S. piling on the pressure to find a winner, Abby Wambach and Rachel Buehler combined to finally set up Morgan for a second goal. Buehler sent in a cross from the left flank where Wambach headed it up towards the net. Morgan redirected the ball off the post and in with a header of her own to put the U.S. up 2-1 and assure the first-ranked U.S. avoided being upset by the 24-ranked New Zealand.

After a scoreless first half that saw Wambach denied by the post on a penalty kick in just the ninth minute, Hannah Wilkinson gave New Zealand a lead under four minutes into the second period. An ill-advised back pass from Kelley O’Hara was intercepted by Wilkinson, who chipped a shot over substitute goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart to give the Kiwis a surprising lead. The goal was New Zealand’s only shot on target in the match.

Despite several quality chances for the U.S., it took until the 88th minute for Morgan’s breakthrough. The late goals would improve the U.S. to a perfect 6-0-0 on the year. Saturday’s match marked the first time the U.S. had conceded a goal this year, while also marking the first time in team history that the U.S. had won a match after trailing in the 80th minute.

The sellout crowd of 20,677 was the largest home crowd for the U.S. in over eight years.

The U.S. Women return to action on February 29th against Denmark in the 2012 Algarve Cup in Portugal.