US women take qualifying event

Megan Rapinoe (L) of the US jumps for the ball against Robyn Gayle of Canada during the first half of their final CONCACAF Women's Olympic qualifying soccer match in Vancouver, British Columbia, Jan 29, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - With a flick of the head, Abby Wambach sent Alex Morgan on a 30-yard run that gave the United States an early lead, the first of three goals resulting from impeccable teamwork between the veteran and the up-and-comer.

There's no question that Wambach, now the second leading goal-scorer in women's soccer, will be at the front of the attack for the US women's soccer team at the London Olympics. The emerging question is whether Morgan should be starting as well.

Wambach and Morgan scored two goals apiece Sunday night in the Americans' 4-0 victory over Canada in the championship game of the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament, a match that was essentially for bragging rights between two teams that had already earned their berths for the Summer Games.

Christie Rampone of the US holds up the CONCACAF trophy after defeating Canada in the CONCACAF Women's Olympic qualifying soccer match in Vancouver, British Columbia Jan 29, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

"I'm not going to lie. I think we play really well together," Wambach said. "Her skill set is completely opposite of mine, and that just makes for a nightmare for any defenses. She's so fast. Not only is she fast, she's so strong on the ball."

Wambach's head-flick provided the assist on Morgan's goal in the fourth minute, then Morgan assisted in the 24th and 28th as Wambach pushed her career total to 131 goals, one ahead of longtime US captain Kristine Lilly. The 31-year-old forward said last week that it's only a matter of time before she or Canada's Christine Sinclair topple Mia Hamm's record of 158, but that's still a few years off.

"Lill e-mailed me a couple of days ago," Wambach said. "And she says 'How about you go ahead and tie me already, and then why don't you go ahead and beat me already? But don't make it a toe-poke, make it a nice goal.' And I think those two goals were great goals for us."

Associated Press

Goalkeeper Karina Leblanc of Canada (2nd L) lets in a shot from Veronica Perez of Mexico during the second half of their semi-final CONCACAF Women's Olympic qualifying soccer match in Vancouver, British, Jan 27, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]