Who is Alex Morgan? Former Captain of the US National Team Announces Retirement?

Alex Morgan, a professional American soccer player, has bid adieu to her 35-year professional soccer career, announcing her retirement on September 5, 2024. 

She will retire after her final match with the San Diego Wave FC on Sunday. Throughout her career, Morgan has achieved numerous accolades and made significant contributions to the sport of soccer both domestically and internationally. 

In addition to her Olympic gold medal, she has two FIFA Women's World Cup titles. Morgan has been a key player for the US Women's National Team, scoring crucial goals in major tournaments. 

Her impact on and off the field has inspired countless young athletes around the world. Now this football icon is in the crucial stage of life where, alongside her retirement, she has also announced her second pregnancy. 

As a result, she has decided to embark on a new chapter in her life with her husband, Servando Carrasco, a fellow professional football player, and their four-year-old daughter, Charlie.

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Who is Alex Morgan?

Born on July 2, 1989, in San Dimas, California, Morgan was born to Pamela and Michael Morgan. She is a prominent figure in women's soccer, known for her speed, skill, and leadership on the field. 

Growing up in Diamond Bar, California, Morgan was the youngest of three daughters and engaged in various sports before focusing on soccer during her teenage years. She attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she excelled in soccer, earning numerous accolades and graduating in 2010 with a degree in political economy.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Morgan's professional career began when she was selected as the first overall pick in the 2011 Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) draft by the Western New York Flash. 

Despite the league folding after her inaugural season, she quickly adapted by joining the Seattle Sounders Women, where she played alongside notable players like Megan Rapinoe and Hope Solo. 

In 2013, she signed with the Portland Thorns FC, contributing to the team’s success in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) until 2015. Morgan then moved to the Orlando Pride in 2016, where she continued to showcase her talent.

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International Achievements

Morgan's international career with the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) began in 2010, and she quickly made her mark. 

She was the youngest player on the squad during the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, scoring her first goal in the semifinals. 

Her breakthrough moment came in the 2012 London Olympics, where she played a crucial role in securing a gold medal for the U.S. team, notably scoring a decisive goal against Canada in the semifinals.

Morgan's contributions helped the USWNT clinch the FIFA Women’s World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019. 

In the 2019 tournament, she made headlines by scoring five goals in a single match against Thailand, tying the record for the most goals in a Women’s World Cup game. 

Despite facing a knee injury later that year, her impact on the field remained significant. At the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she scored in the group stages, helping the team secure a bronze medal.

Recent Developments and Advocacy

In recent years, Morgan has continued to be a vital player for the USWNT. She was named co-captain ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where she further solidified her legacy by becoming one of the top players in the tournament. 

However, the USWNT faced an unexpected early exit in the knockout stages, marking a challenging moment in her career.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Morgan has been an advocate for gender equality in sports. In 2019, she and several teammates filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation, seeking equal pay and working conditions compared to the men’s team. 

This landmark case culminated in a settlement in 2022, where the federation agreed to pay $24 million to the women’s team and implement equitable pay practices moving forward.

Personal Life and Legacy

Morgan is also an accomplished author, having written a series of books aimed at inspiring young athletes. 

Her memoir, Breakaway: Beyond the Goal, reflects her journey and the importance of perseverance. Currently, she plays for the San Diego Wave FC, where she led the NWSL in scoring in 2022.

Alex Morgan Achievements

Alex Morgan has played for several teams throughout her career, including:

• Western New York Flash (2011)
• Seattle Sounders Women (2012)
• Portland Thorns FC (2013–2015)
• Orlando Pride (2016–2020)
• Lyon (2017)
• San Diego Wave FC (2022–present)

As of now, she plays for San Diego Wave FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

Alex Morgan: Excellence and Advocacy in Women's Soccer

Over her career with the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT), Alex Morgan played in 224 matches, ranking ninth all-time, and scored 123 goals, placing her fifth on the all-time scoring list. She also contributed 53 assists, which is ninth all-time.

Morgan expressed her deep connection to the team, saying, “I grew up on this team; it was so much more than soccer. It was the friendships and the unwavering respect and support among each other, the relentless push for global investment in women’s sports, and the pivotal moments of success both on and off the field. I feel immense pride in where this team is headed, and I will forever be a fan of the USWNT.” She has been honoured as the U.S. Soccer Player of the Year twice.

Her last game with the national team took place on June 4, 2024, against South Korea. Notably, she was not included in the roster for the team that won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

In 2019, Morgan was one of the players who sued U.S. Soccer for gender discrimination, highlighting unequal pay and treatment compared to the men’s national team. This legal action led to a collective bargaining agreement in 2022 that established equal pay for both teams.

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