Morgan's brace leads USA to Algarve Cup crown

A pair of first-half goals from Alex Morgan propelled the United States women's national team to a 2-0 win over Germany in the final of the Algarve Cup.

Morgan fired the U.S. into the lead after 13 minutes when Sydney Leroux's cross was cleared straight into her path, allowing the striker to control the ball and hammer a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Almuth Schult.

Germany was the more dangerous side but American goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart stood up well to the German pressure and Morgan took advantage of a mistake in the German defense to net her second of the match.

Defender Josephine Henning and Schult both hesitated long enough on a loose ball to allow Morgan to slip between them and roll the ball into the empty net.

The U.S. scored with its only two shots on goal in the first half, and Morgan nearly completed her hat trick in the 64th minute with a volley that struck the crossbar.