COLOGNE, Germany – If the truth is indeed stranger than fiction, then one could easily say that US national team attacker Jordan Morris has been living a surreal true-life fairy tale for the past six days.
Last Friday, the Stanford University star needed just nine minutes of substitute action to set up Bobby Wood's last-minute winner in a 4-3 rally victory over the Netherlands in Amsterdam. On Wednesday, Morris hopped off the bench again, this time executing a well-sold dummy move to help Wood bag the 87th minute decider in the USMNT's first ever triumph on German soil, a 2-1 win.
While all of those moments are real, the 20-year-old Seattle native is still pinching himself in the aftermath.
"They were two game experiences that, a year ago, I didn't even know I would have in my lifetime," Morris told MLSsoccer.com following the win over world champs Germany. "It's exciting to see that we pulled out two wins with great team efforts. It's been a great week to learn how to deal with high-pressure situations.
"It's unbelievable to play against two teams with this much quality. It's awesome to be put in these games and realize that these are great players, but if you just go out there and play, you can play with them. You just play your game and focus on your strengths."
The fearless forward has showed no sign of being the least bit hesitant or doubtful in his four US caps, in which he's participated in three game-winning plays. Morris says the credit for his impressive pitch attitude and aggressiveness should go straight to US coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
"He injects players with confidence," he said. "I think that's why we do well. Before the game, it's all positive talk. During the game, it's all positive talk. He's a huge reason why I feel confident going out and playing on this stage."
Speaking of big stages, Morris says the events of the past week have him thinking a lot about the time when he will turn pro. Without a doubt, his performances against Germany and the Netherlands have caught the eye of prospective suitors.
However, regular contests against the soccer stars of MLS or Europe will have to wait until at least this coming winter.
"The time might be coming," said Morris, who is set to begin his junior year at Stanford. "But I'm just going to take it step-by-step and decide what to do after the college season is over."
