Liverpool Women's star Meikayla Moore scores perfect hat-trick of own goals

New Zealand defender Meikayla Moore scored a perfect hat-trick of own goals during her country's SheBelieves Cup defeat to the USA on Sunday.

The reigning world champions stormed to a 5-0 victory in Los Angeles thanks to Moore's unprecedented feat, as well as goals from Ashley Hatch and Mallory Pugh.

Moore's nightmare began in fifth minute, hacking Sophia Smith's dangerous cross beyond goalkeeper Erin Nayler to make it 1-0 to the US Women's National Team (USWNT).

Then, just a minute later, a superb delivery from Sofia Huerta skimmed off Margaret "Midge" Purce's head and into the path of Moore.

The New Zealander - who plays for Liverpool - didn't have enough time to readjust. She was powerless to stopping the ball deflecting off her head and into the net.

What's the worst own goal you've ever seen? Let us know in the comments below!

Moore completed her unfortunate hat-trick in the 36th minute following an unstoppable run from Purce, who reached the byline and drilled a low cross into the middle.

The Reds defender failed to get her feet sorted in time and ended up slicing the ball past Nayler, giving the US a commanding 3-0 lead.

To make matter worse, Moore's third calamity was scored with her left foot - completing a perfect hat-trick of own goals.

And just four minutes later, New Zealand manager Jitka Klimkova replaced the defender with Rebekah Stott. It was Moore's 50th senior cap, too.

Veteran defender Ali Krieger - who was part of the US squad that won the World Cup in 2015 and 2019 - tweeted her support for Moore during the game.

"I'm so proud of the USWNT - 3-0 at half-time vs NZ - but I do have to say my heart goes out to Moore," wrote Krieger.

"This beautiful game can be cruel sometimes and today doesn't define her! I can't imagine the pressure she feels at the moment and I hope she's okay."

Scott Parkinson - who is head coach of US team NJ/NY Gotham - added: "Meikayla Moore will bounce back.

"She's playing against the best team on the planet, who are delivering unreal balls into the box. For all the keyboard warriors giving her a bit of s***, get back in your mum's basement.

"She's doing things that 99.9 per cent could only dream about! Good player!"

Sunday's result leaves the USWNT top of the table heading into their final SheBelieves Cup game against Iceland on Wednesday.

The Americans - who have won four of the previous six editions of the competition - Iceland and Czech Republic can all still win this year's tournament.

The USWNT team drew their first SheBelieves Cup game against Czech Republic 0-0 last Thursday, with Iceland beating New Zealand 1-0 on the same day.

Iceland's next fixture against the Czechs also takes place in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The final round of games will be held at the Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas - the home of MLS outfit FC Dallas.