New Zealand defender Meikayla Moore hits rare hat trick of own goals against USWNT in SheBelieves Cup

Kyle Bonn

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New Zealand defender Meikayla Moore hits rare hat trick of own goals against USWNT in SheBelieves Cup image

When it rains, it pours. That was certainly the case for New Zealand defender Meikayla Moore against the United States in the SheBelieves Cup on Sunday.

Moore was hit for a hat trick of own goals, putting the ball in the back of her own net three times in the first half as New Zealand trailed 3-0 at the break. In fact, it was a "perfect" hat-trick, with one off her left foot, right foot, and head.

Seeing one team put three balls into its own net in one game is rare enough, but for one player to be culprit on all three own-goals is a feat few have witnessed. In fact, it's the first time ever the United States women have been the beneficiary of three own goals in a single match, let alone one half, let alone by one player.

After a 0-0 draw with the Czech Republic in the opening game left the United States looking for more up front, Vlatko Andonovski's side attacked early and often. The opener came five minutes in from good play down the left by Sophie Smith. Her cross swung in and Moore stuck her leg out for a block. The ball somehow squirted off her foot and past goalkeeper Erin Nayler despite the very tight angle.

Just one minute later, Sofia Huerta burst down the right and sent a vertical delivery into the box meant for a leaping of Catarina Macario. It found the striker's head, and while her delivery was off target, it clipped a challenging Moore and again found the back of the net.

With the USWNT up 2-0 inside the opening 10 minutes, the game lulled a bit, but the hosts picked things up again before halftime. The third came in the 35th minute in heartbreaking fashion, as Margaret Purce charged down the right and sent in a low, horizontal cross meant for Kristie Mewis making a run into the 6-yard box.

While Moore was under little pressure, the pace of Purce's cross caused her problems, and as the New Zealand defender went to block, she was off balance and redirected the cross into her own net.

With the damage done, Moore was substituted off by head coach Jitka Klimkova. She slumped into Klimkova's arms upon coming off. The coach did all she could to comfort her struggling defender.

The 25-year-old Moore was on her 50th cap for New Zealand in the match. She plays her club football for Liverpool in England.

Kyle Bonn

Kyle Bonn Photo

Kyle Bonn, is a Syracuse University broadcast journalism graduate with over a decade of experience covering soccer globally. Kyle specializes in soccer tactics and betting, with a degree in data analytics. Kyle also does TV broadcasts for Wake Forest soccer, and has had previous stops with NBC Soccer and IMG College. When not covering the game, he has long enjoyed loyalty to the New York Giants, Yankees, and Fulham. Kyle enjoys playing racquetball and video games when not watching or covering sports.