Jun 2, 2016; Commerce City, CO, USA; United States of America forward Alex Morgan (13) in the first half against Japan at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The match ended in a 3-3 draw. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Morgan scored a hat-trick in her first 90-minute match of 2017 against Rodez in the French Cup quarterfinals.

After making her move to Europe, Morgan had yet to play a full match or score for her new club, Lyon. However, that changed on Monday, as the forward scored three goals in the club’s 6-0 win, helping them advance to the French Cup semifinals.

All three goals are a great representation of the skill set Morgan brings to a club like Lyon. She has a hunger for goals in front of the net and can also devastate goalkeepers with her shooting ability.

Her new club has performed quite well this season in France, where they lead the Ligue Feminine by four points. Additionally, they will play VFL Wolfsburg in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League later this month.

Recently, Morgan only played a limited time for the USWNT at the SheBelieves cup, which ended only last week. She started one-match and was subbed off in the second half. In the other two matches, she came on as a second-half substitute. Her playing time in Europe has also been limited due to illness.

Looking Ahead

Although her move was controversial, it is great to see American players in the European leagues. As a few other players followed her in the move across the Atlantic Ocean, this may turn out to be a good thing for the USWNT. Especially after their poor showing against the European giants of France and England in the SheBelieves Cup.

Morgan will return to the Orlando Pride in June, at which point the team will be five matches into the season already. She will be called upon immediately to help the team, most likely, as they are in search of a playoff spot after a disappointing 2016 season.

Let’s hope for the best as Morgan continues her playing time in Lyon.