U.S. women's soccer star Alex Morgan emotionally calls it a career

In a deeply heartfelt video message posted on Instagram in early September, United States soccer legend Alex Morgan retired from the sport she loves.

Morgan teared up and took several deep breaths as she delivered a well-rounded retrospective on her career and the progress women's soccer has made throughout her time in the game.

In addition to sports related topics, Morgan also revealed that she is pregnant with her second child.

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Alex Morgan's final game came on September 8 as a member of San Diego Wave FC. As ESPN noted, she began to leave the pitch during the 13th minute, which was fitting considering the number 13 jersey number she donned for so many years. She took her cleats off at midfield amidst a raucous sendoff from the crowd.

Alex Morgan is a United Stated soccer legend, with over 220 caps and 120 goals to her name on the international stage. She’ll go down as one of the best to ever do it.

Alex Morgan was not selected to compete for the United States Women’s national team at the Paris 2024 Olympics. According to Sports Illustrated, it’s the first time since 2008 that she was not part of the roster for a major tournament.

ESPN reposted Morgan’s social media reaction to missing the cut. “Today, I’m disappointed about not having the opportunity to represent our country on the Olympic stage. This will always be a tournament that is close to my heart and I take immense pride any time I put on the crest.”

Of course, the United States women’s soccer team went on to win gold without Morgan, and perhaps ushered in a new era of stars.

ESPN believes that Morgan was not selected by manager Emma Hayes because she specializes in one area. She’s a striker through and through, who thrives in the middle of the pitch.

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Of course, Morgan was sensational in that role, putting the finishing touches on chances and applying pressure to the defense. However, teams were built around her with that in mind, and the United States has decided to go in a different direction.

Hayes told the New York Times that she values players getting hot at the right time ahead of major tournaments. She said in June, “So go back to your clubs, play, compete, get healthy, and put yourself in the best possible place.”

Judging by that criteria, Morgan was going to have an uphill battle making the Olympic team. She had not looked quite the same in NWSL play for the San Diego Wave, and she didn’t score a goal in eight starts heading into the Olympics.

Alex Morgan turned 35 years old in early July, and had been dealing with a pesky ankle injury, which may have hindered her ability to be productive.

The New York Times also noted that, perhaps because of her ankle injury, Morgan has seemed less aggressive in her play than in years past. They commented that she doesn’t take defenders off the dribble as much as she used to, a sign that she might not have the top form she once possessed.

It's hard to pick just special moment in a career of brilliance for Alex Morgan. ESPN believes that her goal in the semifinals of the 2012 Olympics against Canada tops the list.

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