Alex Morgan scored yet another huge goal as the star striker's late winner won the San Diego Wave the NWSL Challenge Cup.
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Wave top Gotham 1-0Morgan scores lateStriker continues push for Olympic spotTELL ME MORE
Both teams began the match with several U.S. women's national team stars on the bench, with those players not quite 90 minutes fit after a grueling Gold Cup campaign. The game didn't lack energy, though, with the first half becoming a back-and-fourth duel with good chances either way.
The second half, though, saw the introduction of several big stars. Gotham were able to turn to new signings Crystal Dunn and Emily Sonnett, as well as fellow USWNT rising star Jenna Nighswonger. San Diego, meanwhile, brought on Morgan, who made all the difference.
Morgan's goal was a close-range header on a corner from Savannah McCaskill, giving her side a lead in the 88th minute and paving the way for a season-opening trophy.
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Gotham FC have now finished runners-up in this competition twice, having previously lost to the Portland Thorns in 2021 under the old format.
This season features a new one-off Supercup-style match contested between the NWSL Championship and NWSL Shield winners from the previous season.
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No doubt here, as Morgan was the game's hero. She didn't start the match, as she was given a limited runout due to her recent Gold Cup triumph with the USWNT. When she did come on, she made her mark, though, with the late header earning her side a trophy.
Morgan is surging. Just a few months ago, it seemed she had little to no chance of making the Olympics. Now, though, having lifted two trophies in just a few days, she's in fantastic form, which is great news for San Diego as they begin their NWSL season.
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Gotham FC are almost certainly the most talented team in the league, but this was a sign that this project will take a little bit of time. When you bring in this many stars, there's always going be an adjustment phase, even if they have played together plenty with the USWNT.
Part of that comes down to fitness. Dunn and Sonnett couldn't quite start, while Rose Lavelle didn't play at all. When they're fit and comfortable, that group will be ready. That'll take a little bit of time, though.
Many have anointed Gotham as the team to beat, and that may very well be true, but let this be a lesson that the rest of the league isn't ready to crown them just yet.