Abby Wambach wants to hurry up and break Mia Hamm’s all-time scoring record so that everyone will stop talking about the chase. In the waning moments of the United States women’s national team’s 4-1 win over Korea Republic on Saturday, Wambach capped off the scoring by finishing a penalty kick drawn by Alex Morgan.
That was goal 156. Two to go to tie Hamm.
Enough about that, though. Saturday night was a night of firsts for several U.S. women -- a first goal, a first cap and yes, even a first for Wambach. Here are talking points from the win, with highlights:
Mewis gets her first: Kristie Mewis, a midfielder for FC Kansas City, playing left back on the evening (Kelley O’Hara had a “minor injury,” according to U.S. Soccer) scored her first international goal in the 3rd minute of the game. It was a dream scenario for the Hanson, Mass., native to score at Gillette Stadium, just minutes from where she grew up and where she played NCAA soccer at Boston College. Mewis is one of the bright young stars (22 years old) who has the versatility to play anywhere on the flank or pushed higher in the midfield. Here’s her goal:
Another Morgan on the field: University of Virginia midfielder Morgan Brian, still 20 years old and entering her junior year in the fall, earned her first cap with the U.S. when she entered the game in the 77th minute for Lauren Cheney (who scored in the 7th minute).
Wambach adds to the tally: Wambach had never scored against South Korea until Saturday. Of course, she had never participated in a game vs. the visitors, either, having been in recovery from a broken leg the last time the teams met for a three-game series in 2008. The goal means Wambach has now scored against 31 different countries. Here’s Wambach’s goal:
Solo returns: Hope Solo played in a U.S. jersey for the first time since Feb. 13 after recovering from left wrist surgery. She entered the game at the start of the second half, making a big save within minutes but seeing generally little action after that.
Also noteworthy: Carli Lloyd hit brought about some Olympic déjà vu. When on target, her shots are extremely dangerous from long range and she showed it again on Saturday with a low rocket from about 32 yards out. It’s worth a watch:
Next up the U.S. women face South Korea again on Thursday at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. and live on NBCSN and online on NBCSports.com’s Live Extra at 7:30 p.m. ET.