USA Women’s National Team wins 4-2 over Japan

Midfielder Megan Rapinoe scored from near the penalty spot to give the USA Women’s National Team a 4-1 lead on Thursday night at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. The final score was 4-2, USA over Japan. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Midfielder Samantha Mewis made a run on goal late in the game. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Forward Alex Morgan scored her second goal on a header in the first half. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Forward Alex Morgan opened the scoring with a goal in the 18th minute. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Young fans practiced shots on goal in the plaza outside the stadium. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Alex Morgan’s hat trick delighted the thousands of young girls in the stadium wearing her jersey number. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Defender Julie Ertz launched a shot on goal but was denied by Japan’s goalkeeper. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Alex Morgan won a ball in the air from Japan center defender Shiori Miyake. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Many fans came decked out in red, white, and blue. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Forward Alex Morgan was surrounded by teammates after scoring her third goal of the match. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Midfielder Megan Rapinoe received congratulations from teammate Alex Morgan after Rapinoe scored the team’s fourth goal. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Flags waved around the stadium after each of the team’s four goals. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Reserve goalkeeper Adrianna Franch, of Salina, Kan., posed for a picture after the match. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Many fans came dressed in the stars-and-stripes. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)