Alex Morgan Excited to Retire as Women’s Soccer Thrives in ‘Amazing Place’

Alex Morgan, a celebrated figure in United States women’s soccer, expressed her contentment with her impending retirement during a press conference on Friday. She highlighted the progress that women’s soccer has made, stating that it has reached an “amazing place.”

In an announcement made on Thursday, Morgan revealed that her final match would be against the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL on Sunday. Additionally, she shared the news that she is expecting her second child, adding to her reasons for retirement.

“We’re in good hands,” Morgan said, referring to the future of women’s soccer. “The present and the future of women’s soccer is in such an amazing place where I have done everything that I’ve needed to do.”

She emphasized her excitement to see younger players stepping onto the field with confidence and making a meaningful impact. “That’s what this is all about. That’s why I’m so happy being here, saying yes, I’m retiring,” she added.

A two-time World Cup champion and a gold medalist from the 2012 Olympics, Morgan hopes her legacy will also reflect her accomplishments beyond the pitch. In 2016, she was one of five players who filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regarding wage discrimination. Following this, the U.S. Women’s National Team sued U.S. Soccer in 2019 for unequal pay and treatment compared to the men’s team. This lawsuit was settled in 2022, culminating in collective bargaining agreements that resulted in equal pay and benefits for both teams.

Beyond pay equity, Morgan played a significant role in exposing systemic abuse and misconduct within the NWSL in 2021. Her efforts contributed to the dismissal or resignation of five coaches and initiated a broader investigation into the league.

“I had a responsibility, not only a responsibility to fight for equal pay, to fight for sports equity … to uplift and protect players,” Morgan stated. “I wanted players to have that avenue and feel like they had the resources to be their best selves.” She spoke of her hope that her efforts would push the game forward, enhance respect for the women’s game, and increase the investment in women’s sports.

Having made her debut for the USWNT in 2010, Morgan scored 123 goals in 224 appearances, ranking her fifth on the team’s all-time scoring list. While she was a stalwart presence in four World Cups, she unfortunately missed out on being selected for the 2024 Olympic squad, which went on to win the gold medal.

“This year has been difficult mentally and physically, with injuries and being left off an important roster,” she shared candidly. “[But] it was a year that I am so grateful for, regardless of all the ups and downs.”

The forward aims to end her career on a high note, despite her team currently sitting 12th in the NWSL standings and having not secured a league win since May. She mentioned that she would be playing limited minutes during her final game, but expressed gratitude for the opportunity to take the field one last time.

Following Morgan’s announcement, the San Diego Wave revealed that the lower bowl of Snapdragon Stadium had already sold out for her farewell match. The stadium is known for hosting the highest-attended NWSL playoff game, with over 32,000 fans attending a semifinal in 2023.

“This isn’t just a celebration of me; this is a celebration of everyone that has done something to help me be here,” Morgan remarked regarding her final match.

Looking to the future, Morgan has ruled out the possibility of pursuing a coaching position. “I don’t think coaching is in my future,” she stated. Instead, she plans to focus on investing in women’s sports and amplifying their visibility and support.

“When it comes to my role after soccer, that’s still to be determined,” she concluded, leaving the door open for new opportunities as she transitions from her playing career.

Source: Associated Press