Alex Morgan, with her impressive record of one hundred and twenty-three goals in 224 appearances for the US women’s national team, two World Cup wins, a gold medal, a bronze medal, three-time Olympian, and a National Women’s Soccer League champion, retired from professional football in San Diego, California over the weekend. Widely regarded as one of the most successful players to ever grace the field, Morgan leaves behind a multifaceted legacy that includes her relentless advocacy for the growth of the game.
“In a decade when the popularity of women’s football skyrocketed globally, Morgan was often its key name,” said a soccer journalist. “Stateside, every stadium Morgan played in drew enormous crowds. Upon her arrival, those elated crowds were decked out in Morgan gear, carrying AM13 signs and shrieking with joy at her every movement. It was like watching the Beatles swing through town. Morgan-mania was for real.”
“I remember watching her play in person for various NWSL clubs, as well as for the USWNT over the years,” the journalist continued. “There was no comparable pandemonium in her time. In some ways, Morgan-mania made your job easier. The crowd always let you know where she was. If for some reason she didn’t start the game, you’d know she was coming on when you heard screams from the corner where she warmed up. Often, Morgan delivered incredible theatrics to thank the crowd.”
During one of the last matches before her retirement, Morgan showcased her skills at the NWSL Challenge Cup. The atmosphere at Red Bull Arena was electric as more than 14,000 fans gathered to witness her play. Although she didn’t start the match, her presence on the field was enough to send the stands into a frenzy. When she eventually subbed in for the second half, the arena erupted with a raucous roar.
In the 88th minute of the game, Morgan made a decisive impact by heading home the winning goal off Savannah McCaskill’s corner. While Gotham fans may have been disappointed, there was no denying the joy and excitement emanating from Morgan’s supporters in the arena. Alex Morgan may have retired from professional football, but her legacy as a game-changer and a crowd-pleaser will endure for years to come.
