Alex Morgan: Grading Her Quarterfinal Performance for Team USA at the Olympics

Alex Morgan had another solid showing for Team USA in the Olympics.

It wasn't a great performance, nor was it a memorable one, but Morgan did just enough to be one of the key players in the United States' victory over New Zealand. It was an up and down game for Morgan, highlighted by her spectacular assist and her injury scare in the second half.

She missed in front of an open net in the 10th minute, and she sent a scoring chance wide early in the second half. If New Zealand would've stolen a goal late in the second half, those missed chances would be looming large. Because they didn't, Morgan's missed opportunities can easily be forgotten.

With that said, she did execute the pass of the tournament. She spun Rebecca Smith in a circle before feeding Abby Wambach, which the star striker buried. Team USA desperately needed that goal for their psyche, and Morgan was the biggest reason they scored.

In the second half, though, Morgan looked to take on a serious injury after colliding with Jenny Bindon. After a scary few moments, Morgan (and Bindon) both seemed to be fine.

If Morgan suffers an injury in this tournament, Team USA will be in serious trouble. They avoided the issue on Friday, and they need to keep avoiding it through the last two matches because Morgan is that important.

Her biggest contribution to the team is her speed. Morgan is constantly putting pressure on the opponents' defense. Even if she jumps offside occasionally, it still scares a defense. Not many defenders can run Morgan down, so they definitely don't want her sneaking behind them.

Additionally, Morgan's speed compliments Wambach's strength flawlessly. They open up the game for each other, and they have great chemistry up top. When they're finishing their chances, Team USA can light up the scoreboard.

And that's what Morgan needs to improve on from this performance: finishing chances. Against a team like New Zealand, the Americans could get a scoring chance whenever they wanted. In the next two matches, it won't be as easy.

Accordingly, the attacking players, namely Morgan and Wambach, need to convert when they're in front of the net. Otherwise, the team won't avenge last year's World Cup loss.

Morgan played a solid match against New Zealand. Moving forward, however, she needs to improve and continue to lead the United States' attack.