United States star Alex Morgan began the 2015 Women's World Cup opener against Australia on the bench before entering as a late sub in her team's 3-1 victory.
Morgan is taking tentative steps back to first-team action following a knee injury.
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Morgan Takes 1 Shot for USWNT in World Cup Opener
Monday, June 8
Morgan managed one shot on goal after subbing in for Sydney Leroux in the 79th minute, but more importantly showed no signs of lingering issues with her knee.
On May 30, Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl reported U.S. coach Jill Ellis' plan for Morgan at the World Cup, which is to use her sparingly in the United States' early matches as she returns to full health:
In terms of Alex, we're building her. Realistically, she's been off for a while. So in terms of minutes, that's something I think we're going to have to build through the early games to be ready. We don't want to blow her up too early in terms of physically being ready.
On its own, Morgan's injury will undoubtedly have an impact on the United States team. She's one of the best finishers on the squad, and her presence will be invaluable should the U.S. reach the later stages of the World Cup.
