June 29, 2011

BERKELEY - In their very first World Cup games, both Betsy Hassett and Alex Morgan got on the pitch with the New Zealand and U.S. senior squads, respectively. Morgan came on in the 75th minute in the Americans' 2-0 win over Korea DPR on June 28, while Hassett started and played the full 90 for the Football Ferns in the 2-1 loss to Japan on June 27.

After a scoreless first half in front of 21,859 fans in Dresden, Germany's Rudolf-Harbig Stadium, the Americans scored in the 54th minute thanks to a goal by Lauren Cheney with Abby Wambach assisting. With the U.S. up, 1-0, Morgan entered the game in relief of Amy Rodriguez, and a minute later, the Americans added their second score thanks to Rachel Buehler with Carli Lloyd notching the assist.

Morgan was one of just two subs utilized by head coach Pia Sundhage in the opening match, which was the first game to be won by a multiple-goal margin in the first six matches of the 2011 World Cup.

The Americans now turn their attention to Colombia for the July 2 match, which will kick off at 8:30 a.m. PT on ESPN and ESPN3.com

In Bochum, Germany, Japan got on the board first with Yuki Nagasato scoring in the sixth minute. New Zealand equalized thanks to Amber Hearn in the 12th minute. The Japanese scored the gamewinner in the 86th, off the foot of Aya Miyama.

The Football Ferns next play Friday, July 1 against England in Dresden at 9:15 a.m. PT.