USA Beats Mexico Women's Soccer 4-1 in Friendly; Alex Morgan Scores 2 Goals

The United States women's national team used a big second half to earn a 4-1 victory over Mexico in an international friendly Thursday. 

Alex Morgan scored two goals and Lindsey Horan added two assists, all as part of a three-goal second half, to earn an easy win at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.

The U.S. remains undefeated in five 2018 matches with four wins and a draw.

It didn't take long for the United States to grab the lead with Mallory Pugh scoring in the sixth minute. Morgan sent the ball to Megan Rapinoe, who smartly tapped it to an open Pugh for the goal:

The Americans couldn't build on this lead in the first half, though, as the 1-0 score remained until halftime. Still, the hosts were clearly dominant on the field. The squad held 76 percent of possession in the first 45 minutes, taking 10 shots compared to just two from Mexico.

The one-sided play finally led to more goals in the second half, as the floodgates opened with three USA goals in a span of four minutes.

Morgan was responsible for two in a row, including a penalty shot after a foul in the box:

It was her first conversion from the penalty spot in international play despite having 83 goals in her career, per Paul Carr of TruMedia.

Horan came through with the perfect through ball on the second Morgan goal, then crossed it perfectly to Carli Lloyd, who had just subbed on in the 54th minute:

Mexico got one goal back off a mistake by the defense and a great chip from Katie Johnson. It was the first and only shot on goal for the visitors.

The United States took care of business the rest of way and held on for the three-goal victory.

The two teams will face off once again in another friendly Sunday at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston.

Note: All match statistics courtesy of ESPN FC.