Alex Morgan, the renowned United States striker, bid an emotional farewell to professional football on Sunday as she played her final game in the National Women’s Soccer League. The two-time World Cup winner announced her retirement last week after discovering that she is pregnant with her second child. In her last match, Morgan captained the San Diego Wave in a 4-1 home defeat against North Carolina Courage.
Morgan, who previously welcomed her daughter Charlie in 2020, had a bittersweet moment on the field. She missed a penalty in the 10th minute before being substituted just three minutes later. Despite the loss, the 26,516 fans in attendance gave her a standing ovation. Addressing the crowd after the game, Morgan expressed her gratitude and said, “What a ride it’s been.”
The 35-year-old striker has had an illustrious career spanning 15 years, playing at the top level of women’s football. She was an instrumental part of the USA teams that clinched back-to-back World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019. Additionally, she won a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Throughout her career, Morgan scored 123 goals in 224 appearances for the USA, making her the fifth-highest goal scorer of all time.
During her speech, Morgan thanked her teammates for challenging her and making her better every day. She also expressed her gratitude for the incredible moments she has experienced throughout her career. Morgan’s impact on the sport extends beyond her on-field achievements. She has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in football and was one of the players who filed a discrimination lawsuit against US Soccer regarding equal pay. The lawsuit reached an agreement in 2022, marking a significant milestone in the fight for equal treatment in women’s sports.
In terms of her club career, Morgan won a league title with Portland in 2013 before joining Lyon in 2017. During her time with the French club, she helped them secure a treble, including a Women’s Champions League title. In 2020, Morgan had a brief three-month stint with Tottenham in the Women’s Super League.
As fans bid farewell to Alex Morgan on the professional football stage, her impact and legacy will continue to resonate. Her achievements on and off the field have paved the way for future generations of female footballers. Morgan’s dedication to the sport, her advocacy for equality, and her exceptional performances have solidified her status as one of the game’s greatest players.
Related Topics:
– Football
– Women’s Football