Alex Morgan’s hot streak in a United States shirt continued Thursday as her hat trick led the USWNT to 4-2 victory over Japan in their opening match of the 2018 Tournament of Nations.
The striker entered the contest having netted six times in eight games for her country in 2018, including five times in her last four games.
And it was clear early on she would keep her impressive run going in the rematch of the two finalists from the 2011 and 2015 Women’s World Cup finals at Children’s Mercy Park.
Morgan took advantage of a dangerous low cross delivered into the area by Megan Rapinoe in the 18th minute, slotting it into the corner, leaving Japan goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita rooted to the spot to open the scoring.