Liverpool star Meikayla Moore scores a perfect hat-trick of OWN GOALS playing for New Zealand against the USA, as defender is hauled off before half-time in nightmare 50th cap in She Believes Cup
- Meikayla Moore achieved the rare but unwanted feat of scoring three own goals
- The Liverpool defender did so all in the first half and it was a perfect hat-trick
- A perfect hat-trick is a goal with the left foot, right foot and a header
- The nightmare occurred during New Zealand’s 5-0 loss to the US on Sunday
Meikayla Moore achieved a rare, but unwanted, feat on Sunday when she scored a perfect hat-trick of own goals.
The Liverpool defender, 25, was playing for her national side New Zealand against the US in the SheBelievesCup when the nightmare occurred.
Not only did she net three times into her own net, she did so all in the first half giving New Zealand a mountain to climb.
Meikayla Moore achieved a rare feat when she scored a perfect hat-trick of own goals
The first of Moore’s own goals came in the fifth minute when Sophia Smith’s cross deflected off Moore’s right leg and into the net. It also brought to an end New Zealand’s 181-minute streak of not conceding.
Moore, who was making her 50th international appearance, then conceded once more when Sofia Huerta’s pass into the centre of the box went off Moore’s head into the net.
The unfortunate hat-trick was then completed in the 36th minute when the Liverpool defender could not clear Margaret Purce’s pass and had it go in off her left leg. Moore was then subbed off in the 40th minute.
To rub salt into the wounds, it was the perfect hat-trick of own goals for Moore, who put through her own net with her left foot, right foot and a header.
The unfortunate incident occurred during New Zealand’s loss to the US in the SheBelievesCup
All three own goals came during the first half before Moore was hooked in the 40th minute
The US defender Ali Krieger tweeted her support for Moore during the game.
‘I’m so proud of the USWNT, 3-0 at half vs NZ, but I do have to say my heart goes out to Moore.
‘This beautiful game can be cruel sometimes and today doesn’t define her! I can’t imagine the pressure she feels atm and I hope she’s okay.’
US legend Carli Lloyd echoed the sentiment and tweeted in reply ‘Totally agree’ with a heart emoji.
Scott Parkinson, the head coach of the professional women’s team NJ/NY Gotham, based in New Jersey – said keyboard warriors can ‘get back in your mum’s basement.’
‘Meikayla Moore will bounce back.
New Zealand international Moore, 25, plays her club football with Liverpool
‘She’s playing against the best team on the planet, who are delivering unreal balls into the box. For all the keyboard warriors giving her a bit of s***, get back in your mum’s basement.
‘She’s doing things that 99.9% could only dream about! Good player!’
Second half strikes from Ashley Hatch and Mallory Pugh wrapped up a 5-0 victory for the World Champions in Carson, California.