PADUA, Italy (AP) — Second-half substitute Alex Morgan scored in the fourth minute of added time to give the United States a 1-0 win over Italy in the first leg of a playoff to determine the final spot in next year’s Women’s World Cup.
The top-ranked Americans threatened throughout Saturday but had trouble finding the goal against the Azzurre’s well-organized defense.
In the final 10 minutes, Italy defenders cleared four shots off the line with their goalkeeper out of position.
Their next match is next Saturday in Bridgeview, Ill.
