IN DEFENSE OF HER TEA TIME
U.S. women’s soccer player Alex Morgan explains her tea-sipping gesture after scoring vs. England, saying it wasn’t directed at the opposition.
LYON, France — Alex Morgan said her tea-sipping celebration at the Women’s World Cup was a nod to actress Sophie Turner’s amusing Instagram posts. No, it wasn’t a dig at England or a random reference to the Boston Tea Party, or any number of other theories out there, she insists.
“My celebration was actually more ‘that’s the tea,’ which is telling a story, spreading news,” the U.S. forward said.
Morgan has been criticized for the celebration. Her former teammate on the Orlando Pride, Lianne Sanderson, a broadcast commentator during the World Cup for beIN Sports, called the celebration “distasteful.”
“She can celebrate however she wants and I’m a big believer in the Americans and how they celebrate but this was disrespectful,” said Sanderson, a former striker for England’s national team.
Morgan pretended to sip tea after scoring the go-ahead goal in Tuesday night’s semifinal victory over England — her sixth of the tournament. Goalkeeper Alysaa Naeher preserved the 2-1 victory by stopping Steph Houghton’s penalty kick late in the game.
The victory sent the Americans into their third consecutive World Cup final. They’ll face the Netherlands for the championship on Sunday at Stade de Lyon.
Morgan spoke to reporters Friday, clarifying the source of the goal celebration and referencing the “Game of Thrones” actress. Turner’s Instagram is filled with her saying audacious or gossipy things, adding “That’s the tea” and taking a sip.
“I feel that there is some sort of double standard for females in sports to feel like we have to be humble in our successes and have to celebrate but not too much, or do something but always in a limited fashion,” Morgan said.
Expect the U.S. to continue with the creative goal celebrations. “I don’t think we’ll be deterred by a couple of naysayers,” Morgan said with a smile.
That’s if she gets the chance to celebrate. Netherlands midfielder Danielle van de Donk fielded a question about what celebration Morgan might concoct against the Dutch and replied, “I don’t think she’s going to score against us.”
“You have to credit her for the response that she gave there. It’s pretty witty,” Morgan said.
READY RAPINOE: United States forward Megan Rapinoe said she is still on track to be ready for Sunday’s final. Rapinoe sat out of the semifinal Tuesday with a slight hamstring strain.
“I do expect to be healthy for the final, feeling really good,” Rapinoe said Wednesday. “It was really nothing too serious.”
PRESS TRIBUTE: With so much talk about goal celebrations throughout this World Cup, one flew somewhat under the radar during the United States’ win over England.
After Christen Press scored in the 10th minute of the game, she looked to the sky and raised both her arms.
When asked about her gesture after the game, Press said, “I was thinking about my mom,” then quickly had to excuse herself.
Press’ mother, Stacy, died earlier this year at the age of 58. Press’ father, Cody, told Sports Illustrated she was taken off life support following a brain aneurysm, a complication that occurred as Stacy fought a rare brain tumor, Stage IV glioblastoma.