Alex Morgan and the hard tackle that's setting off alarm bells in San Diego

Morgan left livid after challenge was made against her

San Diego Wave suffered a painful defeat on 16 September against Kansas City Current, losing all three points and with it their lead at the top of NWSL.

A match pitting the top of the table against the bottom team looked to be an easy game for the home side, however it quickly turned into something a little more challenging.

Casey Stoney's team conceded two goals and were defeated 2-1. Alex Morgan took to Twitter (now X) to express his dissatisfaction with the refereeing in the match, as she suffered an ugly challenge from Danish defender Stine Ballisager inside the penalty area.

The tackle went unpunished despite complaints from the San Diego players.

«In what world is this not a penalty and red card, or even a foul? Completely reckless and the leg going in for the tackle doesn't even get a ball when I cut her? Just glad I saw her coming and didn't plant on that leg or I'd 100% not be walking today,» Morgan posted.

The US international is suffering the after-effects of such an action, as she limped off the field.

Alex Morgan has failed to score in 13 league games. Last season she was the leading scorer with 16 goals in 19 games.

In total, she has five goals in the 2023 tournament. She last scored on 20 May against the Houston Dash.

The fight for the NWSL championship is very close, with only three games left. The San Diego Wave play Portland Thorns for the title on Sunday 1 October.

The Oregon Wave are first in the standings after the loss of the Californian team.

After the match, they still have to secure points against North Carolina Courage, who are coming off a Challenge Cup win, and close against Racing Louisville.