Morgan, Solo lead U.S. women past Ireland in friendly

Alex Morgan (left) was named a finalist for the world player of the year Thursday.

Brian Murphy/Icon SMI

PORTLAND, Oregon (AP) -- Alex Morgan scored three first-half goals as the Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. women's team beat Ireland 5-0 in an international friendly Wednesday.

Sydney Leroux added two goals to help the top-ranked United States to the win.

Morgan struck first in the 24th minute for her 25th goal this year, making her the third U.S. player to reach the mark in a season - Abby Wambach had 31 in 2004 and Michelle Akers had 39 in 1991. Leroux has a reserve-record 12 goals this season.

Hope Solo started in goal for the U.S. while her personal life was again grabbing headlines. Earlier Wednesday her husband, NFL player Jerremy Stevens, was taken into custody in Florida for an alleged parole violation.

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