Celebrating Alex Morgan: USWNT Icon’s Legacy and Impact on Future Generations

Alex Morgan, a name that pretty much screams excellence in women’s soccer, finally got a celebration that honestly felt overdue for her iconic legacy with the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT). Standing on the pitch at Subaru Park in Chester, Pa., Morgan was honored for her incredible impact on the sport, both on and off the field.

Let’s take a look at her remarkable career, her influence on the game, and the legacy she’s leaving behind.

The Early Years: From College Star to National Hero

Alex Morgan’s journey to soccer stardom kicked off during her senior year at the University of California. On October 6, 2010, a 21-year-old Morgan made her debut for the USWNT as a second-half substitute against China.

The U.S. trailed, and their unbeaten streak at home hung in the balance. Morgan jumped in and scored her first national team goal, setting the stage for a career that would see her rack up 123 goals over 15 years.

First Goal and Early Impact

Morgan’s first goal was unforgettable, and Abby Wambach—her idol—assisted. This wasn’t just a personal milestone; it felt like a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation to the next.

From the start, Morgan seized opportunities and showed she was destined for greatness. You could just tell.

A Decorated Career: Achievements and Accolades

Over the years, Alex Morgan stacked up a jaw-dropping list of accolades. She’s easily one of the most decorated players in women’s soccer history. Some of her most notable achievements include:

• 224 caps for the U.S. Women’s National Team
• 123 goals scored for the national team
• Two-time World Cup winner (2015, 2019)
• Olympic gold medalist (2012)
• Treble winner with Lyon in France
• More than a decade in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)

Off the Field: Advocacy and Business Ventures

Off the field, Morgan didn’t slow down. She’s been a fierce advocate for gender equity and equality, really pushing for equal pay and better working conditions for female athletes.

She played a key role during the NWSL’s systemic abuse scandal, always speaking up for player protections. It’s not something every superstar does, but Morgan never seemed to shy away from it.

Her influence reaches into business, too. In 2021, she co-founded Togethxr, a women’s sports media company.

The brand’s *Everyone Watches Women’s Sports* tagline popped up everywhere—from shirts across the world to the London City Lionesses’ jerseys in the Women’s Super League. Morgan also became a minority investor in the San Diego Wave, the last club she played for, which just deepens her roots in the sport.

Retirement and Legacy

Alex Morgan retired on September 5, 2024, after she and her husband, Servando Carrasco, announced they were expecting their second child. She wrapped up her career with a symbolic 13 minutes on the field for the San Diego Wave, matching her iconic jersey number.

She looked back on her career and admitted she felt content. She’d achieved everything she set out to do—and honestly, probably more.

Impact on Teammates and Future Generations

Her influence shows up in what her teammates and younger players say about her. Arsenal defender Emily Fox described Morgan as the definition of consistency and excellence.

Chelsea winger Alyssa Thompson, who played with Morgan at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, admired her leadership and her fight for equality. There’s something about seeing your hero stand up for what’s right that sticks with you.

Midfielder Rose Lavelle called out Morgan’s memorable goal and that viral tea celebration during the 2019 World Cup semifinal against England. That moment wasn’t just about skill—it brought the team together and fired everyone up.

Even players who never got to share the field with Morgan, like 21-year-old Ally Sentnor, feel her impact. Sentnor, who earned her first national team cap just six months after Morgan’s last game, called her a legend and an icon who inspired so many to chase their soccer dreams.

Full Circle: Celebrating a Legend

On the eve of her celebration at Subaru Park, current U.S. players took a moment to reflect on Morgan’s legacy. They recognized how much she’d contributed to the team’s success and her relentless push for equal pay and better conditions for female athletes.

For plenty of players, Morgan’s career feels like a blueprint for excellence and a constant source of inspiration. It’s hard not to look up to someone like that.