Marlborough Leads U.S. Over Trinidad & Tobago

Guatemala City - Nebraska's Morgan Marlborough turned in an exceptional performance in her first international match, scoring the game-winning goal and adding an assist as the U.S. Under-20 Women's National Team defeated Trinidad & Tobago, 4-0, Saturday evening in Guatemala City. With the victory, the Americans clinch a spot in the semifinals of the 2010 CONCACAF U-20 Women's Championship and move a step closer to a berth in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The Husker standout earned a start at forward Saturday evening and wasted little time making her presence felt. In just the fifth minute of action, Marlborough scored the first goal of the match after she chased down a long ball from Rachel Quon near the top corner of the penalty box. Trinidad & Tobago goalkeeper Kimika Forbes challenged the pass, which Marlborough collected and calmly lofted over Forbes into the net.

The Americans added goals in the 23rd and 37th minutes, before Marlborough and Sydney Leroux teamed up for the U.S.' best play of the match in stoppage time prior to the intermission. Marlborough dribbled to the top of the penalty box and delivered a pass through the defense to Leroux, who shot across her body to the far post to give the U.S. a 4-0 lead at halftime.

Marlborough played the entire match, as the U.S. held its four-goal advantage through the second half to keep its opponent scoreless for the second straight game.

The U.S. returns to action Monday at 4:30 p.m. CST, needing a win or tie against Mexico to finish first in Group B. The match will be streamed live on www.concacaf.com.

The Americans have already clinched a spot in Thursday's semifinals, which will be televised live on Fox Soccer Channel.