Alex Morgan Returns to Women’s World Cup in Team USA’s First Game Against Australia

When the Women's World Cup began one of the stars from Team USA, Alex Morgan, was not in the starting lineup. Morgan had been battling a bone bruise on her left knee that she received on her home team in Portland. After not playing since April 11th, the 25-year-old forward returned in the 79th minute of America's opening game against Australia. For most of that game, she was listed as a substitute for the number two ranked United States team.

Throughout Morgan's career she has been a part of 84 international games and has 51 goals in those appearances. Before her return against Australia, coach Jill Ellis said Morgan was looking good in practice. It doesn't seem like anybody expected her to make any sort of return in that game though.

"Obviously we're going to look at what our needs are, but I'm just excited now that she is back in 100 percent training – looking great, sharp," Ellis said.

Getting over injuries is nothing new to Morgan. Last season she sat out for nine games with Thorns because of a left ankle sprain. After rejoining the team back in June 2014 she reinjured the ankle during a fall in a group match of the CONCACAF Women's Championship – a qualifying game for this World Cup.

On Team U.S.A. Morgan is joined by Hope Solo in goal, Alex Krieger at right back, Becky Sauerbrunn and Julie Johnston in central defense and Meghan Klingenberg at left back. Also on the team are Lauren Holiday, Carli Lloyd, Christen Press and Megan Rapinoe. Of these players, Holiday, Krieger, Lloyd, Rapinoe, Solo and Wambach were in the lineup back in 2011.

With Alex Morgan back in the lineup, how do you think the United States will fair in the World Cup?