Why Alex Morgan is Still the Heart of the USWNT
Alex Morgan is still the heart of the USWNT. Even with the younger generation of players and even with many of the doubts around her minutes and performance. The USWNT’s match against Canada in the CONCACAF Women’s Championship serves to prove this.
USWNT vs. Canada
Even though the match wasn’t quite what many fans were hoping for or expecting during a game that many considered to be a revenge match for the US, Morgan showed up big to give the US the 1-0 lead. Yes, it was a PK, and yes, the match was scoreless up until then, but nonetheless, Morgan did what had to be done. Not all players could show the confidence and skill that she did when she stepped up and put that penalty away.
There was a bit of confusion when the penalty was drawn. Andi Sullivan handed the ball to Lindsey Horan, who then gave the ball to Alex Morgan. However, Alex Morgan is the best PK taker on the team, and she 100% was the one to take the shot.
Overall, Morgan was solid throughout the game. She had chances in both halves and almost had an assist to Sophia Smith. Throughout the tournament, she scored three times, and she won the Golden Ball, honoring the best player.
Doubts About Alex Morgan
It’s no secret that the USWNT is headed into a new phase. Carli Lloyd retired, and players like Tobin Heath, Christen Press, and Julie Ertz suffered injuries leaving them off the roster. In addition, Megan Rapinoe isn’t playing the minutes she once did.
Younger players like Trinity Rodman, Mallory Pugh, or Sophia Smith are getting more and more consistent call-ups. Even Alex Morgan didn’t get call-ups in the spring to some of the younger players. Morgan had no minutes with the team this year until June 28.
Morgan’s absence from the USWNT caused a lot of questions to be asked of her and her role on the team. Additionally, it seemed like she wasn’t meeting expectations for the Orlando Pride. In the 2021 season, she scored five goals in 13 games, a pretty low number for the forward.
Morgan’s Form on the San Diego Wave
Despite some of the doubts around Morgan, her performance for the San Diego Wave team quashes them and proves that she is still the world-class player we know her to be. In ten games, she has scored 11 goals. Her form for the Wave definitely played a role in coach Vlatko Andonovski’s choice to bring her to the CONCACAF tournament and her minutes.
Leadership in the USWNT
At 33 years old, Alex Morgan is not near the end of her career by any means; she’s still in her prime in terms of what she can contribute to the team. Not only is she a reliable goal scorer, but her experience and leadership are also great assets to pass on to younger players on the starting eleven and the second eleven. And Morgan isn’t the only one. Becky Sauerbrunn is 37 and is still killing it as captain of the team.
Overall, the USWNT’s win against Canada points to the idea that, even though the USWNT roster is trending younger, there still is and should be a spot for players like Alex Morgan. She gets the job done in tough situations, is creative on and off the ball, and shows players what it means to be a great forward.
Featured image via @USWNT on Instagram
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