Watch: Highlights Of USA’s 3-1 Victory Over South Korea

USWNT

Alex Morgan scored in her fourth straight game and Julie Ertz and Megan Rapinoe each had a goal to lead the U.S. women’s national team to a 3-1 victory over South Korea Thursday night in New Orleans.

Despite the early lead in possession for the U.S., the South Korean defense, coupled with saves from goalkeeper Kang Gaae were able to keep the USWNT off the board during the early portion of the match.

The U.S. finally broke through in the 24th minute, when a cross off a corner kick from Rapinoe found a cutting Julie Ertz in the box, who headed the ball down and into the goal.

The goal was the fourth in five games for Ertz.

Alex Morgan scored in the 40th minute, using her right foot to control the pass from Kelly O’Hara, then pivoting and using her left foot to strike the ball into the back of the net, Morgan’s fifth goal in 4 games, which gave the U.S. a 2-0 advantage.

South Korea was able to pull one back when Han Chaerin, making her first international appearance for South Korea, sent a sizzling ball from 25 yards out into the upper netting and above U.S. keeper Alyssa Naeher in first half stoppage time, cutting the deficit to 2-1.

The U.S. struck early in the second half, as Rapinoe earned a penalty after being tripped up in the box. Rapinoe stepped up and buried the PK, giving the U.S. a 3-1 advantage that would hold until the final whistle blew.

The U.S. will take on South Korea in another friendly on Sunday, October 22 at 2 p.m. ET. You can watch the game on ESPN.

Notes:

Mallory Pugh injured

Mallory Pugh was injured in the second half for the U.S., as she pulled up holding her right hamstring, and couldn’t even put pressure on it as she had to be helped off the field. This is bad news for the U.S., and hopefully Pugh isn’t out for an extended period.

This injury may have been caused by the harsh artificial turf surface, raising more concerns over why the United States Soccer Federation schedules USWNT matches on turf, while it does not for the men’s team.

Carli Lloyd returns

Carli Lloyd, the two-time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, returned after a nine-week absence due to an ankle injury, entering the game as a substitute in the 77th minute.

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