Meikayla Moore of New Zealand had a nightmare first half against the US in the SheBelieves Cup, hitting three own goals in 36 minutes.
Moore earned her 50th appearance for New Zealand against the United States, but she is unlikely to remember the game fondly.
In the first half, the 25-year-old, who plays for Liverpool in the Women’s Championship, sent the ball into her own net three times.
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In the fifth minute, the first own goal was scored. Moore put out a leg in an effort to clear the ball but mistakenly diverted it into the back of the net as American striker Sophia Smith fired a cross into New Zealand’s penalty area.
Moore struggled to cope with an oncoming cross again, sending the ball through her own goalkeeper’s arms. Moore’s second own goal came just one minute later.
Moore’s worst fears were realized when she tapped in yet another cross, this time from American forward Margaret Purce, in the 36th minute.
Moore had accomplished a flawless hat-trick of own goals, scoring with her left foot, right foot, and head, it was quickly pointed out.
Check out all three of the own goals right here…
Video: Moore’s three own goals vs USA
Moore was unable to make up for an abysmal first 45 minutes and was replaced at half-time.
Since her debut in September 2013, when she was just 17 years old, the defender has been a regular starter for New Zealand.
Before joining Liverpool in 2020, she played for FC Köln and MSV Duisburg in Germany. Her move to England came 15 months after she had her achilles tendon snapped while on international duty.
New Zealand has had a difficult time at the SheBelieves Cup, an invitational competition held in the United States.
The Football Ferns began the competition with a 1-0 loss to Iceland before losing 5-0 to the reigning world champions, the United States.
