USWNT Vs Japan: 3 things we learned – Alex Morgan nets hat-trick

The Tournament of Nations began in style for the USWNT. Alex Morgan’s hat-trick led the way in a 4-2 victory over Japan. Here are three things we learned.

Another test before the FIFA Women’s World Cup is at hand for the United States Women’s National Team. The Americans kicked off the 2018 Tournament of Nations on Thursday night against Japan in the first of the three matches to be played over the course of the next week.

The USWNT entered the first match of the tournament undefeated thus far in 2018, which certainly allows for an added pressure during the competition. However, no pressure seems to be able to phase these group at the moment. A 4-2 win over Japan was a successful match for the U.S., as their dominant offense carried them to yet another victory.

Alex Morgan was the star of the match scoring a hat-trick to lift the USWNT to the win. Megan Rapinoe also added a goal to her career total as the Seattle Reign player also had an assist on Morgan’s opening goal of the match.

The victory takes the U.S. to the top of the table in the group of four countries. Australia also won their first match of the tournament with a 3-1 win over Brazil. Sunday’s match between the USWNT and Australia will likely decide the champion of the competition and should be a marquee matchup to watch.

Here are three things we learned from the win over Japan.

3. Morgan can’t stop scoring

It has been an incredible year to date for Alex Morgan on international duty.

The striker has scored 16 goals in her last 16 appearances for the USWNT and is rapidly approaching the 100-goal mark in her international career.

With the World Cup less than a year away now, Morgan has yet to face a team that has completely taken her out of the match. This will be a storyline in the months to come as she will undoubtedly be a major factor in the Americans success in 2019.