June 22, 2015 9:55 pm 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. It was her first goal for the national team since March 6.
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 it was the USA that squeaked by with the win and will move on to play China on Friday in Ottawa in the World Cup quarterfinal.
Here are three takeaways from the U.S.’s underwhelming victory:
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.
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.
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. So who will replace her?
Look for Christen Press to be the one coach Jill Ellis asks to step up her game. Press is still in the process of adjusting from life as a forward to the midfield, and a quarterfinal game against China is a chance for her to break out this World Cup.
“She’s a tremendous player,” Ellis said of Rapinoe. “But we’ve got players with tremendous technical skills, pace in certain positions, and I know they will step up. Tobin (Heath) has been very consistent. I have the utmost confidence in the players that we have.
“And as Pinoe said to me, she now gets to rest one.”
Time for Morgan Brian to step up
Like Rapinoe, 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.
“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.”
