Meikayla Moore has received an outpouring of support after scoring a perfect hat-trick of own goals in the first half of New Zealand’s clash against the United States.The two sides met in the SheBelieves Cup, an invitational tournament held in California and Texas.Moore was making her fiftieth appearance for the Football Ferns, but a day for celebration soon turned into a nightmare.The 25-year-old, who plays for Liverpool in the Women’s Championship, turned the ball into the back of her own net in the fifth minute, sixth minute and 36th minute.It was soon pointed out that Moore has scored a perfect hat-trick of own goals, scoring with her left foot, right foot and head.Her unwelcome feat soon went viral, but it also prompted an outpouring of support for the defender.Gotham FC head coach Scott Parkinson wrote: “Meikayla Moore will bounce back. 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 shit, get back in your mums basement. She’s doing things that 99.9% could only dream about! Good player!”

Kieran Theivam, communications manager for the Women’s Super League and Championship, wrote: “Meikayla Moore will bounce back. Playing for your country is the greatest honour, but sometimes the game can be cruel.

“This won’t define her, and let’s not forget the opposition. Pleased we have her and a host of top players & people in the FA Women’s Championship.”

Moore was also supported by a number of journalists, including Andy Kelly, who manages press for Liverpool Women.

“These things always attract attention but every fan of LFC Women will tell you the only things you need to know about Meikayla Moore – a class person, a class player and as proud a New Zealander as you'll find.

“As Vicky Jepson [Liverpool Women head coach] says: 'Tough times don't last but tough people do'”

Sky Sports News reporter Anton Toloui wrote: “When Meikayla Moore gets back to #LFC please give her a massive hug, a puppy or whatever the hell she wants.

“Three own goals v #USWNT - deflating to watch but no way will this define her. She’s performing at a level most of us only ever dream of.”

Moore has been a regular starter for New Zealand since she made her debut in September 2013, aged just 17-years-old.

She has played for FC Köln and MSV Duisburg in Germany, before signing for Liverpool in 2020. Her move to England came just 15 months after snapping her achilles while on international duty.

New Zealand have struggled so far at the SheBelieves Cup, an invitational tournament hosted in the US.

The Football Ferns started the tournament with a 1-0 defeat to Iceland, before ultimately losing 5-0 to the US, the reigning world champions.

Check out all three own goals here…

Video: Moore’s three own goals vs USA