As the crowd of 17,264 erupted inside a packed Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
on Thursday evening in Colorado, viewers at home joined in on the historic
moment thanks to Fox Sports’ play-by-play man JP Dellacamera’s goal call:
“LOOKING FOR 100…SHE’S GOT IT!
The high decibel screams of joy were all happening because Alex Morgan, one
of the most famous strikers in the world, had just scored her 100th career
goal.
The goal was spectacular, and classic Morgan, who out-muscled a defender on
a long ball over the top, putting her to the turf before racing at a
break-neck speed toward goal. Morgan side-stepped an Australia defender to
make space for her shot and then slid to tuck the ball into the right side
of the net. It put the USA up 1-0 and was a moment worthy of chills. In
fact, it’s probably best if we let the video of the moment do the talking.
Like we said. Chills.
Starting in the latter part of 2017, Morgan embarked on a scoring streak
that has featured 27 goals in 32 games. That run quickly sped up her
journey to 100 but getting the last one took some time and patience. On
Nov. 13, 2018 she scored goal 98 against Scotland. A little over three
months later on Feb. 27 came goal No. 99 vs. Japan. And then it was a bit
of a waiting game, albeit one of eager anticipation.
But this time, the wait wasn’t long and against Australia on April 4,
Morgan earned her exclusive membership card to the Century Goal Club.
The goal came in her 159th cap and she became the third youngest player (29
years, 276 days) in WNT history to score 100 goals, behind only Mia Hamm
(26 years, 185 days) and Abby Wambach (29 years, 47 days). She is also the
third to do it before the age of 30.
She is the fourth fastest player to get to 100 goals behind Wambach (129
caps), Michelle Akers (130) and Hamm (156).
Elite Company
In the 34-year history of the U.S. WNT, there have been six players to
reach 100 international goals.
There is of course Wambach (184 goals), the leading all-time goal scorer in
the world; Hamm (158), Kristine Lilly (130), Akers (107), Carli Lloyd
(105), who is still hunting for more goals, and Tiffeny Milbrett (100).
“These women, they’re all legends,” Morgan said after the game while
reflecting on her journey to 100. “They’ve all done so much for the women’s
game. It’s incredible to be amongst them.”
On Thursday in Colorado, Morgan also tied Milbrett for sixth place on the
all-time scoring list. Milbrett was at the game – she coaches for the
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club – thus bringing past and present together
and furthering the tradition of success that is embedded in the DNA of the
WNT. Morgan knew that she was in the stands, so for her, it made the moment
even more special.
“Tiffeny Milbrett was in the stands today and she’s at 100 and it was so
cool to have her witness that, and I wished I could have said hi to her,
but just to be listed with her and the other five women is a great
accomplishment.”
October 6, 2010: The Beginning of a Legacy
About nine years ago, a 21-year old Alex Morgan scored her first
international goal for the U.S. WNT. It was against China PR in the 83rd
minute off an assist from Abby Wambach. She shot it with her left foot and
in between two defenders.
On April 4, the now 29-year-old Morgan once again took the shot while on
the run and flanked by a defender on both sides, but this time the shot was
with her right foot and it was assisted by Crystal Dunn.
While the goals had their differences, in a way they were also very
similar, and not only because they actually were similar, but
because at the end of the day, all goals are important. But Morgan, more
than anyone, understands that goals are but a means to an end. And the USA
is hoping that end is in Lyon, France on July 7, 2019.
“My first goal actually wasn’t so different from this 100th goal, just a
couple more touches,” Morgan said with a laugh after the game. “But as much
as I love the No. 100, this team is so much more than a number.
“What I’m most looking for and what would mean so much more than the number
100 is coming come back from France with that World Cup title. I’m just so
fortunate to play with these women every single day. I feel so empowered to
be able to be here and feel like we’re inspiring the next generation.”
And with every goal Morgan and her teammates score, the inspiration
continues to grow.
