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The Alex Morgan miss vs Colombia was the star striker’s one blemish during the United States women’s national team’s 3-0 victory on Sunday in the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup quarterfinal.
There were questions being raised as to who would start as the USWNT No. 9 after the shocking 2-0 loss to Mexico. Morgan, who was on the bench to start the Mexico game, was given the start vs. Colombia.
She was electric in a renaissance performance for the 34-year-old.
Let’s rip off the band aid and acknowledge the miss she had in the second half. A Sam Coffey free kick found Lindsey Horan at the back post who perfectly set up a wide open Morgan.
Alex Morgan miss vs Colombia
Thankfully for Morgan the USWNT already had a 3-0 lead, and the miss can be something to laugh about. Morgan shows that even the best players can miss a sitter, just look at Erling Haaland.
¡¿QUÉ... LE PASÓ... A ERLING HAALAND?!
El noruego se perdió ESTA oportunidad de gol y el City no logra empatar. #ManchesterCity 0-1 #ManchesterUnited#LigaPremierTD pic.twitter.com/b6qXpgNz9h— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) March 3, 2024
Morgan’s performance against Colombia was one of her best in arguably the past year. The USWNT superstar had been experiencing a dreadful run of form and goal drought leading up to the Gold Cup.
She was initially left off the roster for the tournament but was a last-minute replacement for Mia Fishel who tore her ACL in training.
Morgan has made the most of the opportunity with quality performances for the USWNT in the Gold Cup. She was dominant in the first half vs. Colombia drawing a penalty kick and providing an assist to Jenna Nighswonger.
JENNA NIGHSWONGER KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT SHE'S DOING
Calm, cool, and collected pic.twitter.com/98zmqbDL6z— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) March 4, 2024
While Morgan didn’t score, she did just about everything else. Her linkup play was phenomenal, she was a reliable target up top and she was even helping back on defense.
Alex Morgan link-up, USA v Colombia.
Bringing teammates into play, releasing ball quickly, backing into defenders and acting as a wall to bounce the ball off. pic.twitter.com/E9RDNFcFCU— Blair Newman (@thesecondball) March 4, 2024
It was a bold move from interim head coach to Twila Kilgore to sit Sophia Smith and given Morgan the start. The decision absolutely paid off. Colombia’s players were incredibly physical and the USWNT striker wasn’t backing down.
Alex Morgan: "You don't know where I'm from dawg." pic.twitter.com/FOWbvuMxb3
— Juan Vargas (@agoodjuan) March 4, 2024
We at The18 admit that we’ve been highly critical of Morgan in the past year saying her time with the national team was limited. She’s proving all the doubters wrong in the Gold Cup and is making a serious case for one of the 18 Olympic roster spots.
With such strong form she’ll likely get the nod from Kilgore to start against Canada in the Gold Cup semifinal on Wednesday at the home of her San Diego Wave at Snapdragon Stadium.
The Alex Morgan renaissance era is here.
