Reflecting on Alex Morgan’s Unforgettable Journey and Legacy
Recently retired Alex Morgan has left the soccer community with a deep reflection on her impact and how much she will be missed. Each retirement of staple women’s soccer players allows us to look back on fantastic careers and the evolution of the women’s game of soccer.
Youth and College Days
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Alex Morgan grew up in Los Angeles, California, playing for Cyprus Elite. At 17, Morgan began playing for the U-20 US Youth National Team. She committed to the University of California, Berkeley, in 2007 as a forward. Her impact there was remarkable, with 45 goals scored, ranking third all-time.
Professional Career
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In 2011, after graduating a semester early, Morgan began her club career with Western New York Flash. Most recently, she finished her club career with San Diego Wave FC, where she had played since 2022. She scored 15 goals in 17 games during this time, winning her the NWSL Golden Boot in 2022. Additionally, in 2022, she scored all four goals in a 4-0 win, making her the third NWSL player to do so.
In her 2023 season, she scored seven goals, ranking fifth in the league. In her most recent season, she scored the winning goal in the Challenge Cup in the 88th minute. Her final game after announcing her retirement was full of emotion. She was substituted in the 13th minute as a representation of her iconic number. Her final game was an emotional goodbye for teammates, family, and fans.
International Career
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Morgan’s first international appearance was during the 2008 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship, where she scored her first goal. Additionally, this same year, Morgan scored a match-winner during the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. This goal earned her the best goal of the tournament.
Her first senior World Cup was in 2011. She was noted as the youngest player on the team. She scored her first goal in the semi-final match against France during this tournament. Between her first and last World Cup, Morgan was recognized for leading the group to win the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, starting in every game. In the 2019 FIFA World Cup, she was awarded the silver boot as a runner-up to Megan Rapinoe. In her final World Cup in 2023, Morgan started all games and contributed an assist during the tournament.
Overall Highlights
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Alex Morgan has redefined the jersey number 13. She now retires with two World Cup wins and a gold and bronze Olympic medal. She was the youngest player in the 2011 FIFA Women’s Cup and the youngest to score 20 goals in a single season. Her other accolades include the “U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year.” Alex Morgan’s style of play was an example of her fast thinking and determination. She always found her head on the ball through quick runs and vertical leaps. Additionally, despite being a striker, she was incredibly unselfish on the ball, always finding the runs being made by her outside forwards.
Known as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, Morgan is also a philanthropist, role model, and soon-to-be mother of two. Her voice and involvement in advocating for girls in sports have sped up the evolution of women’s soccer. It is incredibly exciting to see the journey she is on in her continual involvement in soccer, yet she will continue to be missed and adored as one of the greatest players for the USWNT.
Featured image via @alexmorgan13 on Instagram
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