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USWNT rout Ireland behind Morgan hat-trick, Leroux brace

Photo by ISIphotos.com

By FRANCO PANIZO

For the U.S. Women’s National Team, Wednesday’s match against the Republic of Ireland may have provided a glimpse of what is to come in the near future.

Young forwards Alex Morgan and Sidney Leroux combined to account for all of the goals in the United States’ 5-0 rout of the Republic of Ireland at JELD-WEN Field in Portland, Ore. on Wednesday night. Morgan set the tone by scoring a first-half hat-trick and Leroux came off the bench to add a second-half brace for the Olympic gold medalists.

The lopsided victory kept the Americans undefeated in their Fan Tribute Tour and improved them to 4-0-2 in it with four more matches left to play before the end of the year.

Morgan scored her second career hat-trick in a span of 20 minutes. The 23-year-old forward netted the winner in the 24th minute, added her second 10 minutes later and completed a masterful performance with a third a minute from halftime. The three goals gave here 27 in 2012, making her just the third player in U.S. history to surpass 25 goals in a calendar year.

The 22-year-old Leroux came off the bench in the 59th minute and she made an immediate impact. Leroux found the back of the net with a header three minutes after entering the game and she scored again with a low effort that should have been saved in the 81st minute. Leroux now has 12 goals this year, and all of them have come in substitute appearances.

The U.S. host the Republic of Ireland again on Dec. 1 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

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What do you think of the USWNT’s rout of Ireland? Think Morgan and Leroux will form into a deadly tandem in the near future? How do you see the second game between these two nations playing out?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. This 10 game National tour is designed as an appreciation for the fans who have stood behind the USWNT over the years. The Irish may not be “top flight” competition, but the US women dominated the game from start to finish in a manner that I didn’t expect. Very impressive performance. Alex Morgan is the new star, two of her three goals she created with brilliant play in spite of being marked every tightly. Watching this game just whet my appetite for the new women’s league opening in 2013. Now I am hoping they put local stars with the local team – both Megan Rapinoe and Abby Wambach live in Portland now. Can’t wait.

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  2. I see little value in this cash cow tour. Playing teams like Ireland is a waste of time for everybody and yet people are talking about Morgan breaking scoring records for a season. Maybe if they were to schedule the Antarctic National team and Morgan scored 20 goals, she’d get the record. What would it prove.

    I cant wait for the new coach to take over and to see if he’s going to rock the boat or stay the course. I am so hoping that unlike Pia, he brings in younger players and starts building for the future. We cannot continue with about half the current team and expect to stay near the top.

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    • For you it may be a waste of time, but you can’t speak for ‘everybody’. For many it is an opportunity to see these women play, show support, and have a little fun. If that doesn’t appeal to you, than don’t watch and don’t go to a game. You won’t be missed. And this isn’t about Morgan or anyone else padding goals against lesser teams, it just is what it is.

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    • There are about a million screaming little girls and cheering young women that are more in line with the target demographic, *Juan*, and they won’t miss you a bit. Lighten up.

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  3. The trio of Morgan, Heath and Rapinoe are fun to watch. Sweet goals by Morgan…Heath & Rapinoe clowned some players with their ball skills. Heath almost pulled off a highlight with that rainbow kick she attempted. Got to love their creativity…truly the “beautiful game”. FIFA announces top 3 players in the world today…Morgan has got to be on that list and has a good shot at deservedly winning POY. Yes, Leroux has a bright future as well.

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  4. I love me some Alex Morgan but when is this “fan appreciation” tour gonna end? I’m sure if the women played at the club level as often as the men it wouldn’t have even lasted this long

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    • You’re right. It’s basically a pay day for them, thus why no new players have been introduced. The tour is negotiated into their labor agreement with the federation.

      At least they are getting attendance this time. The tour after the 2008 gold had matches that were pretty miserable (and they cancelled a couple).

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  5. I was hoping to see a continuation of the Leroux Fullback Experiment. Leroux has never had any trouble scoring against the minnows, and last night’s performance doesn’t really convince me that she’s improved much as a striker. She’s always given defenses hell, though, with her runs and physicality. I think she would have a promising future as an attack-minded defender.

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