Warning: USA thrash New Zealand at the World Cup

Alex Morgan scored her 120th international goals as the United States defeated New Zealand 4-0 in Wellington on Wednesday. This was to set off a World Cup warning.

Forward Mallory Swanson scored twice, and Lynn Williams also scored for the top-ranked team in the world six months before the Americans defend their title here in Australia and New Zealand.

This was the American’s first match of the year, and they will be trying to win the third World Cup title in succession.

Coach Vlatko Andreiski said that he would like his team to familiarize themselves with the venues, training locations and travel ahead of the month-long global spectacle starting July 20.

The US will be playing their three World Cup pool matches in Wellington and Auckland, and could return to these cities for a semi-final or quarter-final.

They were denied a number of chances in the first period, but they capitalized on that dominance to score four goals in 20 minutes.

Swanson’s head opener was made from a cross of Trinity Rodman (daughter of former National Basketball Association star Dennis Rodman).

Morgan, a star striker, doubled the lead. Swanson then grabbed her second. Williams capitalized on another Rodman assist.

The four-time champions of the world will take on the 24th-ranked New Zealanders in two-match series that ends in Auckland on Saturday.

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