Alex Morgan played her final match for the San Diego Wave on Sunday, marking the end of her illustrious 15-year soccer career. The two-time Women’s World Cup champion announced her retirement after revealing she is expecting her second child. Morgan was honored with a special ceremony, emotional farewells, and a packed crowd of over 26,500 fans. Her career highlights include 224 appearances for the U.S. national team, 123 goals, and numerous accolades, including an Olympic gold medal. Beyond the field, Morgan was a leading advocate for equal pay and NWSL reforms, leaving a lasting legacy in women’s soccer.
Quick Read
- Alex Morgan’s Final Match: Played her last game for the San Diego Wave, marking the end of her 15-year soccer career.
- Retirement Announcement: Morgan announced her retirement and that she is expecting her second child.
- Emotional Farewell: Over 26,500 fans attended her farewell match at San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium.
- Career Achievements: Two-time Women’s World Cup champion, Olympic gold medalist, and fifth on the U.S. national team’s all-time goal-scoring list with 123 goals.
- Advocate for Women’s Sports: Morgan fought for equal pay and led efforts for reforms in the NWSL after a coach misconduct scandal.
- Legacy: Morgan’s impact extends beyond the field, inspiring future generations and contributing to the growth of women’s soccer in the U.S.
Alex Morgan bids farewell in San Diego, ending 15-year career
Newslooks- SAN DIEGO (AP) —
Fighting back tears, Alex Morgan waved to the crowd and made her final exit from the soccer field on Sunday, marking the end of a remarkable 15-year career. In front of a packed crowd of 26,516 at San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium, the two-time Women’s World Cup champion played her farewell match for the San Diego Wave before officially retiring from the sport. Morgan, who announced her pregnancy with her second child earlier in the week, was honored throughout the evening.
Wearing the captain’s armband, Morgan started the match against the North Carolina Courage and played for the first 13 minutes. She received a standing ovation as she exited the field, her last game marked by both emotion and celebration.
“I’ve accomplished everything I set out to do and more. I feel at peace with this decision because I’m ready to start my family and step aside for the next generation to shine,” Morgan said after the game.
Morgan’s Wave teammates commemorated her final appearance with a special No. 63 jersey, marking her 63rd match for the club and her 150th career game in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Fans and family were treated to a video montage of Morgan’s greatest moments, including her iconic ‘tea sipping’ celebration from the 2019 World Cup.
Her national team career was filled with achievements, including World Cup wins in 2015 and 2019, and an Olympic gold medal in 2012. She finished with 224 caps for the U.S. team, scoring 123 goals, making her fifth on the all-time list.
As Morgan exited the field, a tifo reading “For Country, Club, Community” was unveiled in the supporter’s section, a nod to her impact on and off the field. Though the Wave lost 4-1, the night was focused on celebrating Morgan’s legacy.
Morgan’s impact extended beyond her on-field achievements. She played a leading role in advocating for equal pay for women’s soccer and was instrumental in pushing for reforms within the NWSL after a major misconduct scandal.
As she reflects on her career, Morgan remains optimistic about the future of women’s soccer: “The next Alex Morgan is out there in the stands and on that field. It’s been incredible to see how far we’ve come.”
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