EDMONTON, Alberta — Alex Morgan saved the United States.
In her second World Cup start, Morgan scored the first goal in a decisive U.S. 2-0 knockout-round victory over rival Colombia.
The week leading up to the round of 16 match was full of smack talk. Colombia players predicted they would beat the Americans because “they talk too much” and have more heart.
That looked like it could have been the case for most of the match — on the pitch and in the stands, with Colombia fans sounding like the majority at Commonwealth Stadium with their flags, drums and vuvuzelas.
But after an underwhelming first half, the USA dominated the second and moves on to play China on Friday in Ottawa in the World Cup quarterfinal.
Here are three takeaways from the U.S.’s victory:
(Michael Chow / USA TODAY Sports)
Alex Morgan finally scored, but the offense still needs work
The U.S. has only scored six goals in four World Cup matches and the offense as a whole has been criticized for it. But with the reemergence of Morgan, who has seen playing time increase over the last two games, the offense is beginning to click.
In the 47th minute, Morgan was tackled inside the box by Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Perez, who received a red card and was thrown out of the game. Abby Wambach took a penalty shot with her left foot, but missed with the third-string keeper fresh off the bench.
Six minutes later, Morgan found herself deep on the right side of the box and was looking for Wambach on the cross. She noticed that new Colombia keeper Stefany Castano was leaning in, so she took the shot instead. After the game, Morgan said she didn’t want to know the last time she scored for the national team because she knew it had been so long. It was March 6.
“It’s definitely a little bit a sigh of relief,” she said. “As a forward, we always want to score goals, we’re expected to score goals, and we needed that breakthrough after not converting the penalty. It was a breath of fresh air.”
Morgan has played 155 minutes in the last two matches combined — both U.S. victories — more than six times as many as she appeared in the first two against Australia and Sweden.
Megan Rapinoe noted Morgan looked more like her “old form” for the first time in awhile. The star forward agreed.
“I feel better and better each game,” Morgan said. “I think I’m seeing my speed, change of direction, my shot coming back. It feels good and hopefully in next game it will feel great.”
(Getty)
Megan Rapinoe suspended for the quarterfinal
In the middle of the first half, Megan Rapinoe, who has been one of the brightest spots for the U.S. throughout this World Cup, was handed her second yellow card of the tournament when she hip-checked a Colombian player. Now she has to miss the quarterfinal match against China.
Her ability to streak down the right wing and get good balls into the box will be incredibly missed.
After the game, Rapinoe was asked how the U.S. will get as many balls across the field without her.
“They’re gonna struggle,” she joked. “No we’ll be fine.”
So who will replace her? If it were up to Rapinoe, it would be Christen Press.
“It’s a straight swap,” she said. “I think she can just be so dangerous. She’s quick, she’s very smart, really around the box.”
Press started the first two World Cup games and scored in the opener against Australia. Her play has dropped since, and she didn’t see any minutes against Nigeria. Press is a noted perfectionist and admitted Sunday that she hasn’t played her best yet.
“What (Jill Ellis) wants from me is to see me play at my 100% and I don’t think I’ve done that yet. I don’t think I’ve ever done that on this team and I’m still finding my way in a new position sometimes,” she said. “I definitely think I’ve had good performances and I’m proud of what I’ve done, but I haven’t hit my hundred. And I think she’s looking at me and saying, you have to hit your hundred.”
Press came on for Rapinoe in the 75th on Monday, but if she gets that opportunity to replace Rapinoe in Friday’s quarterfinal, it could be her moment to break out in this tournament.
Time for Morgan Brian to step up
Lauren Holiday will also miss Friday’s quarterfinal against China after receiving her second yellow card of the tournament. She’s started every World Cup game so far in the central midfield with Carli Lloyd.
Her absence presents a perfect opportunity for 22-year-old Morgan Brian, who played 21 minutes Monday and started the Americans’ second game against Sweden, to get another start and make a difference in a critical game.
Ellis said it’s likely that Brian would be Holiday’s replacement after the game.
“Mo has played significant minutes in our games,” Ellis said. “We’ve partnered her specifically with Carli and Lauren at times so she could be confident in that position. She’s a tremendous ball distributor, good on services, so we have other options there for us.”
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