Alex Morgan Enters in Second Half of U.S. Gold Cup Loss to Mexico
Former Cal star Alex Morgan entered Monday's night's group-stage game against Mexico in the second half, but she was unable to score as Mexico upset the Americans 2-0 in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in Carson, California.
It was a disappointing performance by the U.S. Women's National Team, which was outplayed by Mexico. Although the loss did not knock the Americans out of the tournament, it was a historical win for Mexico. The United States entered the game with a 40-1-1 record against Mexico, and its only previous loss to its North American neighbor came 14 years ago, a 2-1 decision during Women’s World Cup qualifying in 2010.
Alex Morgan entered the stadium for Monday's game holding her daughter's hand. Photo by Jessica Alcheh, USA TODAY Sports
Monday's contest was the final game of group-stage play for the Americans, who had already clinched a spot in the knockout round before Monday's match. But with two wins and one loss in the four-team group, the U.S. will advance as the second-place team from its group, Mexico finished first in the group with two wins and one draw.
It is unclear which team the Americans will face in the knockout round as the final games in Groups B and C have yet to be played.
Morgan did not start Monday's game, but she came on to start the second half. She had scored two goals over the first two games against the Dominican Republic and Argentina, but she and her teammates were unable to score the tying goal against Mexico.
The Americans had most of the possession time, but Mexico had the better scoring opportunities. Mexico had 13 shot attempts to nine for the U.S., while just two of the Americans' shots were on goal, while Mexico had four shots on goal.
Mexico's first goal was scored by Jacqueline Ovalle, and it came after a defensive mistake by the Americans.
The Americans pressed the action in the second half and Morgan had a shot attempt blocked by Mexico's defense.
Mexico had several good scoring opportunities as the Americans overcommitted on the offensive end. Mexico then scored the clinching goal in stoppage time, as Mayra Pelayo delivered a beautiful shot from well behind the box that found the upper righthand corner of the goal.
Cover photo of Alex Morgan and her daughter by Jessica Alcheh, USA TODAY Sports
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