Alex Morgan's Tuesday News and Views

On3 imageby:Drew Franklin08/06/12

DrewFranklinKSR

The United States women's soccer team did it again. They grabbed the attention of America and won our hearts all over again with another improbable comeback and incredible finish. Last summer, it was Abby Wambach's header in the 122nd minute against Brazil in the World Cup quarterfinal that sent the match to penalty kicks and made a squad of otherwise unrecognizable names national heroes. On Monday, it was Alex Morgan's header in the 123rd minute against Canada in the Olympic semifinals that has the entire country talking about US women's soccer again. Those girls never fail to entertain. Canada held a one-goal lead three different times, for over half of regulation, but the United States found a way to score equalizing goals every time. Megan Rapinoe scored the first two equalizers early in the second half and then Abby Wambach connected on a penalty kick to tie it up in the 80th after Canada had taken the lead again at 3-2. Both sides looked winded through the final 10 minutes of regulation and extra time, and it appeared the match was headed to penalty kicks for the first time in Olympic women's soccer history. Then Alex Morgan happened. With just 30 seconds left before PKs, the beautiful American forward headed in Heather O’Reilly’s cross for what was the equivalent of a game-winning buzzer beater. The dramatic finish sent Team USA to the finals where they'll face Japan, the team that eliminated them from the World Cup, for the gold medal. The announcer called it the best moment of Alex Morgan's career. I think Alex will agree. I still say it's tough to beat her body paint spread for Sports Illustrated. Marry me. Win the gold medal and then marry me. Moving on...  Women's soccer wasn't the only sport the Americans were victorious in on Monday, the men's basketball team also added another win to its total. Team USA defeated Argentina 126-97 behind a ridiculously hot night from Kevin Durant. The OKC star hit 8-of-10 three-pointers on his way to a game-high 28 points. A lopsided 42-17 third quarter after Team USA led by just one at halftime opened the door for Anthony Davis to check in in the fourth. Davis scored two points in the final seven minutes to go along with two rebounds and a blocked shot. Oh, and Russell Westbrook did this: America.  Kentucky football put on the pads Monday for the first time in fall camp. Joker said he liked adding the gear because he can see who will "put their face on people." They're still not going 100% but the coaches can see which guys play with their head up so they can put their face on people. He called it a good day of practicing.  If you're looking for a hint as to who will start at quarterback against Louisville, you're going to have to keep waiting. Joker said he and his staff will take their time with the quarterbacks before picking a starter. The focus now is installing new plays everyday before the first scrimmage and then they'll begin evaluating from there. He plans to stretch out the competition over the next two weeks and then announce a starter after the second scrimmage. He doesn't see any reason to pick his guy after the first scrimmage. He added that he likes the leadership and presence of all four quarterbacks in the huddle.  One of the biggest concerns heading into the season is replacing Danny Trevathan at linebacker, and it appears that Bud Dupree will be the guy who tries to fill the dreaded one's shoes. Joker and the staff spoke very highly of the sophomore after Monday's practice, saying he has that "it" factor that Randall Cobb had when he first stepped on campus. Dupree is already a leader, which is rare for a sophomore, and he's added 30 pounds to his frame since stepping on campus. "Physically, he’s as good-looking a kid as has ever walked through the doors here," Joker said. This could be a breakout season for Dupree.  Kyle Tucker of the C-J tweeted a fun fact about one of Kentucky's new linebackers. Kadeem "Pancho" Thomas said his aunt called him Pancho as a child because he looked like a homeless Mexican guy named Pancho who lived down by the dock. He will officially be called Pancho this season. Corey Nichols will now be Arcoiris Nichols.  In basketball recruiting news, James Young's former AAU coach told SNY.tv that he expects Young to decide early and Kentucky is the school to beat.  Smoke Williamson said of Young and Kentucky, "He still loves them. He’s just weighing all his options right now.”  Mark your calendars for Friday, September 7th for The Cardinal Hill Kentucky Bash. Join fans of UK Football for a spirited evening benefitting Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital. There will be bourbon tasting, a sophisticated southern menu, live music by The Johnson Brothers, the Jim Beam Quarterback Challenge, and an exclusive live auction. Visit the event's website for more information. That'll do it for now. You ready for KSR, Morganfield????

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