EDMONTON, Alberta — Alex Morgan saved the United States.
In her second World Cup start, Morgan scored the first goal in a decisive U.S. 2-0 knockout-round victory over rival Colombia. It was her first goal for the national team since March 6.
The week leading up to the round of 16 match was full of smack talk. Colombia players predicted they would beat the Americans because “they talk too much” and have more heart.
That looked like it could have been the case for most of the match—on the pitch and in the stands, with Colombia fans sounding like the majority at Commonwealth Stadium with their flags, drums and vuvuzelas.