[**Tobin Heath**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/cxl4bxs35ifb8o5cq9jxi1ec5) and [**Rose Lavelle**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/4j3kopvvd3iej6p4h9z36giqd) returned. [**Alex Morgan**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/l28lqh3f3ojx6kk2wvvq6nyt) scored twice. The United States women’s national team topped New Zealand 5-0 at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Tuesday night. Lavelle started in front of her home crowd, making her first appearance for the USWNT since injuring her hamstring in June. The Breakers rookie midfielder returned to NWSL action on September 2. She played the first 33 minutes before being subbed out and replaced by Thorns midfielder [**Lindsey Horan**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/6ywkny98b9qzuvhqxwn9l0ogl). Heath entered the match in the 72nd minute — her first game action since the SheBelieves Cup in March. Heath has not played for the Thorns this season, but could make her return on Saturday in Orlando vs. the Pride. The Thorns have clinched a home playoff game and still have a chance to win the NWSL Shield for the second straight year. Morgan, the August Player of the Month with the Pride, has not slowed down in September with the USWNT. After a goal on Friday night, she came in as a second half sub on Tuesday vs. New Zealand, and scored on her first touch of the game. [Empty Body] She added her second in the 69th off an assist from Spirit rookie forward [**Mallory Pugh**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/dkk9sopglpjgnopxcxkn65gid). [Empty Body] Horan got things started for the U.S. in the 35 minute, scoring on a diving header after an assist from Courage midfielder [**Sam Mewis**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/4tcmt910n2lj88n5m0aqoddcl). [Empty Body] Horan then added an assist on Pugh’s goal in the 44th minute. [Empty Body] Courage forward [**Lynn Williams**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/cm6fzm8v38ti0aubu0q4v717t) added her third career international goal in the 55th minute. [Empty Body] [**Rosie White**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/bkflu3s5t6fuasx2blzwp4jit) (Boston Breakers), [**Katie Bowen**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/86xqmp60672vnqn7wbsgbr07p) (FC Kansas City) and [**Rebekah Stott**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/92faf40oeermdhlvh8k482vo5) (Seattle Reign FC) all started for New Zealand. FC Kansas City defender [**Becky Sauerbrunn**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/dpi1jk3r0cyn9f9ote89781jp) was subbed out at halftime. Red Stars defender [**Casey Short**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/4ullol3wa4qdi9ydgrxgxbcgl) played center back alongside Courage defender [**Abby Dahlkemper**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/6fl1ruianufxk3wj1cx8rrphx) for the remainder of the game. Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper [**Alyssa Naeher**](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/view/cbhcuvuqi3gxgln6n463vz9at) started in goal, but was not called upon to make any saves in the match.

Match Highlights

Match Highlights