SheBelieves Cup: Meikayla Moore Scores Hat-Trick Own Goals Against New Zealand

Oviri Kelvin, Sports Editor, Abuja

New Zealand coach Jitka Klimkova says every player has a good time and a tough time and Meikayla Moore’s performance isn’t strange after they were defeated by the United States yesterday.

Klimkova made the statement after New Zealand defender Moore scored three own goals in the 5-0 loss to the USA in the SheBelieves Cup.

Moore, a Liverpool player that was substituted 5 minutes to the end of the first half, had in the first six minutes scored two times to put the USA ahead before icing the cake to make it three-past New Zealand’s goalkeeper Erin Nayler.

The match played at the Dignity Health Tennis Center, recorded an extra two goals in the second 45 minutes from Ashley Hatch and Mallory Pugh in 51 minutes and additional time respectively.

Moore scored the hat-trick in the 5th, 6th, and 36th minutes with her left foot, right foot, and a header respectively to record the second defeat in the tournament after New Zealand lost 1-0 in their first group match against Iceland on Friday.

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Klimkova said, “Each player who has played, and it doesn’t matter what level, has great games and tough games, and ‘Mouse’ (Moore) had a tough day at the office.

The New Zealand coach, unconcerned about the performances of the team’s players, said that Moore is dissatisfied with her performance against the USA. Klimkova added that the team will continue to support her in this time of difficulty.

She said, “Obviously, she’s sad and disappointed, but she’s an unbelievable person and player who belongs on this team. We are all behind her in this tough moment for her.”

The teams play on Wednesday with New Zealand taking on the Czech Republic and Iceland taking the United States.