By Safiu Kehinde
History was made in the world of football on Sunday evening after Liverpool Women’s defender, Meikayla Moore found her own net thrice during the 5-0 thrashing of New Zealand women by the United States of America.
The New Zealand defender scored a perfect unbelievable hat-trick during her country’s face-off against the USWNT at the Shebelieves Cup Group stage. Moore had an horrific 50th international appearance for her country as she conceded with her right foot, head, and left foot within 35 minutes of play to record the perfect hat-trick of own goals.
Moore’s misfortune started just four minutes into the game. USWNT’s Sophia Smith had launched a cross into the New Zealand’s box with Moore charging forward to clear the ball. The 25-year-old met the cross with a terrific right foot clearance which deflected into her own net, gifting the reigning champion a befitting lead.
Less than two minutes after, unlucky Moore met another waterloo after another cross from USWNT’s Sofia Heurta missed Margaret Purce to land on the face of the ill-fated defender. The US women had the New Zealand defender to thank as they doubled their lead in the 5th minute.
The score-line was maintained for another 30 minutes before Moore’s misfortune came to the fore once again – this time sealing her fate as one of the unluckiest defender in football history. Margaret Purce had sprinted into New Zealand’s box in the 35th minute, launching a low cross from the right wing. Faced with an opportunity to revive her day, Moore met the ball with another awkward left foot clearance, sending her goalkeeper into the wrong direction as she sealed a perfect Hat-trick of own goals.
In an effort to relieve the disturbed defender of the pressure and trauma, New Zealand’s boss, Jitka Klimkova had to get the team’s captain off the pitch replacing her with Rebekah Stott.
Meanwhile, despite her horrific performance, Meikayla Moore received huge support from fans and players alike, urging her to keep her heads high.
Veteran US women defender, Ali Krieger was among the lots who showered words of encouragement on the embattled New Zealand defender.
“I’m so proud of the USWNT – 3-0 at half-time vs NZ – but I do have to say my heart goes out to Moore,” wrote Krieger.
“This beautiful game can be cruel sometimes and today doesn’t define her! I can’t imagine the pressure she feels at the moment and I hope she’s okay,” she added.
