Alex Morgan became just the fourth player in NWSL history to score four goals in a match as San Diego Wave recorded back to back league wins.
For the second game of either side’s regular season campaign, the San Diego Wave played their home opener against NJ/NY Gotham FC. This was the first matchup between the teams since San Diego became one of two expansion teams this season.
Both teams came into the matchup with three points after winning their regular season openers. It was set up to be a good matchup, but there was no way to tell who would get their second straight win.
San Diego’s roster consists of a strong team with star players. They have the likes of USWNT star Alex Morgan, 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist Kailen Sheridan and Matildas star Emily Van Egmond. These strong players allow head coach Casey Stoney to build up the team around them for future endeavours.
Gotham FC boast a few of their star players such as USWNT stars Kristie Mewis and Midge Purce along with Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger. Despite these star-studded names they have not yet played up to their potential.
San Diego came out victorious against the east coast team, winning 4-0 with two penalties helping the Wave on their way to three points.
Highlights of the game: San Diego Wave vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC
Both teams were on a high after winning their previous games and they planned to keep that momentum going. With solid lineups from both sides, San Diego’s Morgan stepped up netting all four goals in an impressive victory/
Gotham had a strong start to the match but their energy started to thin out over the course of the game. San Diego had plenty of chances in the early minutes of the game but did not convert their first goal until first-half stoppage time.
In the 46th minute of the first half, Gotham’s Ifeoma Onumonu conceded a penalty with a handball in the box. Morgan calmly converted the kick from the spot, giving San Diego a 1-0 lead going into halftime.
The next goal was a penalty as well that was conceded by Gotham’s McCall Zerboni for a trip in the box. Once again, Morgan strikes a powerful effort to the right side netting to give her team a 2-0 lead.
Not long after in the 70th minute, Morgan had a hat-trick as she muscled Zerboni off the ball before slotting home into the bottom corner out of Harris’ reach. Morgan’s hat-trick is also the first-ever for the club.
Finally, in the 91st minute, Morgan secured her fourth goal of the night. After intercepting a Gotham pass, Morgan dribbles down the left side before comfortably striking the ball past Harris. Morgan becomes the third player in NWSL history to score four goals in a match.
Player of the Match: Alex Morgan
There was only one option for the Player of the Match, Alex Morgan was simply head and shoulders above everyone else.
Morgan has not had the best track record when it comes to playing with her club in the NWSL. After this performance, she seems very dedicated to the club and helped produce a very important win.
Four goals in a game is no easy feat, but Morgan showed off her obvious ability to do just that. This performance shows a promising future for the NWSL veteran.
What’s Next?
NJ/NY Gotham FC plays the North Carolina Courage on May 14 and San Diego plays the Chicago Red Stars on May 15 for the first meeting between the two teams.
