Is This the Year Alex Morgan Shines for Her Club Team?

May 20, 2021
By Kayleigh Toney

Alex Morgan is one of the best strikers for the USWNT and has been for a while at the international level. She’s tallied 109 goals in 175 appearances, becoming one of the best goalscorers to wear the Stars and Stripes. However, her international play and club play haven’t exactly been equal throughout her career.

Here’s a look at why she hasn’t always been the best club player and if 2021 might be the year that she finally reaches full potential in the NWSL:

Inconsistent Minutes

USWNT players are frequently called to national duty and away from the league, causing them to struggle to maintain chemistry with their club teams. Since 2018, Morgan has only played eight games in the NWSL.

Given national team duties and occasional injuries, Morgan’s time with her club team has been sporadic, really since she first joined the Orlando Pride. It’s no wonder she doesn’t always fire on all cylinders with them.

Coaching Changes and Changes of Playing Style

Orlando is under their second head coach since coming into the league in 2016. Morgan has yet to play a full season under Marc Skinner who’s game tactics are much different than previous coach Tom Sermanni. With more time to grasp his tactics while playing a full season under him, Morgan could thrive.

Morgan is also a different player than she was in the earlier parts of her career. She tracks back, makes plays, and even plays defense on occasion. She’s a more all-around player than ever before. With this style change, it’s no wonder her goal tally isn’t as high as it was when she first made a name for herself as a ruthless striker. There are more ways to impact a game than just scoring goals. However, her goal in the Pride’s 2021 season opener was a beaut and – Pride fans will hope – a sign of what’s to come:

Starting the day with the first goal of the 2021 regular season. ?⚽@alexmorgan13 | #AdAstra pic.twitter.com/kmNG6nPz2L

— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) May 17, 2021

2021 Might Be a Breakout Year for Morgan

Skinner has been the coach for the Orlando Pride for two years, and we are starting to see his tactics and the way he wants the team to play come alive. He has also rebuilt much of the team in his two years, strengthening the midfield and backline.

Morgan is healthy right now and looked fit throughout the 2021 Challenge Cup. She’s teaming up well with her counterparts in midfield and on the frontline, so it’s shaping up to be a good club season for Morgan.

Yes, she may miss significant time with the USWNT as this is an Olympic year. However, she’ll need to be at her best going into that tournament, so we should see some of her best play yet in the early phases of the NWSL regular season.

Featured Image via @ORLPride on Twitter