NWSL: North Carolina Courage at San Diego Wave FC” class=”w-full rounded-md”/>Sep 8, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Wave FC forward Alex Morgan (13) waves to fans after being subbed out of her final game during the first half against the North Carolina Courage at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images
Alex Morgan said his final goodbye to professional soccer on Sunday night, but the visiting North Carolina Courage spoiled Morgan’s farewell by defeating his San Diego Wave 4-1.
Morgan announced Thursday that she was retiring after Sunday’s match to cap a distinguished career as a national and international player. The 35-year-old recently learned that she is pregnant with her second child.
Before coming out for the final time in the 16th minute, Morgan had a chance to score one last goal thanks to a penalty kick, but North Carolina’s Casey Murphy saved the attempt.
Morgan’s farewell game drew 26,516 fans.
Despite their best efforts, the Wave (3-9-7, 16 points) were unable to earn their first NWSL win since May 8. Kennedy Wesley scored for San Diego.
Haley Hopkins, Feli Rauch, Bianca St-Georges and Meredith Speck found the back of the net for the Courage (10-8-1, 31 points), who have won five of their last six league games.
San Diego goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan was red-carded in the 60th minute after a VAR review determined Sheridan prevented a North Carolina player from having a clear scoring opportunity. The Wave replaced Sheridan with Hillary Beall and played 10 women for the final half-hour.
San Diego fell behind almost immediately when Malia Berkely’s corner kick found Haley Hopkins for a header that eluded Sheridan’s reach in the fourth minute.
Morgan was involved early on, making multiple attempts on goal and taking three corner kicks. However, the most important moment came when North Carolina’s Denise O’Sullivan was penalized for handling the ball in the penalty area.
With the crowd on its feet, Morgan headed to the penalty spot in the 10th minute. Her shot was cleared by Murphy, one of her teammates on the U.S. women’s national team.
The Waves took the lead in the 13th minute when Wesley slotted a Maria Sanchez corner kick into the bottom right corner of the net. That minute coincided with the jersey number Morgan wore throughout her playing career.
Morgan celebrated with her teammates and then began to walk off the field. She hugged each of them, took off her cleats at midfield and shed tears as she waved to the fans who gave her a standing ovation.
A third goal from a corner kick came in the 20th minute, courtesy of Rauch off a Tyler Lussi corner kick. Rauch’s first career NWSL goal put the Courage up 2-1.
St-Georges scored in the 45th minute and Speck added a goal in second-half stoppage time. The Wave, hampered by the red card, had few opportunities from then on to attempt a comeback in honour of their departing teammate.
–Field level media
What impact did Alex Morgan’s career have on the growth of women’s soccer?
Table of Contents
Alex Morgan Bids Farewell to Professional Soccer, Announces Pregnancy and Retirement
American soccer legend Alex Morgan has officially retired from professional soccer, marking the end of an illustrious 15-year career that saw her become a household name in the world of women’s soccer. Morgan, who recently learned she is pregnant with her second child, played her final game with the San Diego Wave FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) on Sunday night.
A Distinguished Career
Throughout her remarkable career, Morgan has been an integral part of the U.S. women’s national team, winning numerous accolades, including two World Cup titles and an Olympic gold medal. She has also been a dominant force in the NWSL, playing for various clubs, including the Portland Thorns FC and the Orlando Pride.
Farewell Game
In her final game, Morgan’s San Diego Wave FC faced off against the North Carolina Courage at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. Despite the Wave’s best efforts, they were unable to secure a win, ultimately losing 4-1 to the Courage. Morgan had a chance to score one last goal in the 10th minute via a penalty kick, but her attempt was saved by North Carolina’s Casey Murphy.
A Legacy That Will Endure
Morgan’s retirement marks the end of an era in women’s soccer, but her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. She has been an iconic figure in the sport, known for her exceptional skills, tireless work ethic, and dedication to promoting women’s soccer.
“A lot has changed in the 15 years I’ve been playing,” Morgan said in a recent interview. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, and I know that women’s soccer is in an amazing place right now.” [[3]]
Pregnancy and New Chapter
Morgan’s retirement is not just about leaving the pitch behind; it also marks the beginning of a new chapter in her life. The 35-year-old is expecting her second child, and she is excited to focus on her growing family.
“I’m going to miss playing, but I’m also looking forward to this new chapter in my life,” Morgan said. “I’m grateful for the support of my teammates, coaches, and fans throughout my career.” [[2]]
A Lasting Impact
Alex Morgan’s retirement will be felt across the soccer community, but her impact on the sport will be remembered for years to come. She has been an inspiration to countless young players, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of women’s soccer players.
As Morgan takes her final bow, she leaves behind a remarkable career that will be cherished by fans and fellow players alike. Her dedication, passion, and commitment to the sport have made her an American soccer legend, and her legacy will endure long after she hangs up her cleats.
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Alex Morgan Bids Farewell to Professional Soccer, Announces Pregnancy and Retirement
American soccer legend Alex Morgan has officially retired from professional soccer, marking the end of an illustrious 15-year career that saw her become a household name in the world of women’s soccer. Morgan, who recently learned she is pregnant with her second child, played her final game with the San Diego Wave FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) on Sunday night.
A Distinguished Career
Throughout her remarkable career, Morgan has
