SAN DIEGO – Overwhelmed with emotions, Alex Morgan bid farewell to her illustrious 15-year career as she waved to the crowd and stepped off the field on Sunday. In a sweltering heat of nearly 100 degrees, a remarkable crowd of 26,516 spectators filled San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium to witness Morgan’s final match. Only a few days ago, the two-time Women’s World Cup winner announced her pregnancy and retirement from the game.
Morgan initiated her last game wearing the captain’s armband for the San Diego Wave team. She played for the first 13 minutes against the North Carolina Courage before being subbed out to a standing ovation.
Reflecting on her decision, Morgan expressed her contentment, stating, “I have accomplished everything I ever desired and much more. With this choice, I am at peace because I am prepared to start a family and ready to hang up my boots, allowing the next generation to thrive and revel in the spotlight.”
Her final appearance for the Wave marked her 63rd game, celebrated with a pregame ceremony presenting Morgan with a No. 63 jersey. Moreover, it was her 150th career appearance in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Before the match, glimpses of Morgan’s retirement video and highlights from her career were displayed on the video scoreboard. Accompanying her on the field was her four-year-old daughter, Charlie. The game was attended by more than 95 of her family members and friends.
The Wave’s starting lineup paid homage to Morgan’s iconic tea-sipping celebration. This celebrated her crucial goal against England in the semifinals of the 2019 World Cup in France.
Morgan’s tenure with the U.S. national team was filled with achievements, including World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019, along with an Olympic gold medal in 2012 in London. Initially playing for the NWSL champions Portland Thorns in the league’s inaugural year, she later contributed to the Wave’s Shield win in 2023.
With 224 appearances for the U.S. national team, Morgan scored 123 goals (ranking fifth in the career list) and provided 53 assists (placing her ninth). She was honored as the U.S. Soccer Player of the Year in 2012 and 2018.
As she left the field, tears filled Morgan’s eyes while she removed her cleats at midfield. Meanwhile, a supporters’ tifo displayed the message, “For Country, Club, Community.”
Among the crowd was San Diego Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove, who attended the game immediately after his start against the San Francisco Giants.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman highlighted Morgan’s immense influence, stating, “When she announced that this was going to be her last game, twelve thousand tickets were sold in one day. That’s the power of Alex Morgan.”
Although the North Carolina Courage emerged victorious with a 4-1 result, the night was predominantly dedicated to celebrating Morgan’s spectacular career.
Landon Donovan, the coach of the Wave, shared that his daughter had requested his assistance in creating a sign for Morgan’s final match. Donovan emphasized the profound impact Morgan had made, stating, “It’s immeasurable because she made my daughter, who previously had no interest in sports in general, fall in love with the sport and women’s sports. Alex has truly revolutionized the game, and it’s disheartening to see her depart. Honestly, I don’t think there will ever be another player like her.”
Wave fan Amber Brunner, attending the match with her family, expressed their appreciation, stating, “My girls fell in love with soccer because of her.”
A young fan held a sign at the game which expressed, “Thank you, Alex, for all your hard work for women’s sports.”
Morgan expressed her excitement for the future, as she intends to support the Wave, the U.S. national team, and continue her advocacy for players.
She exclaimed, “The next Alex Morgan is not only out there in the stands, because I am sure that there are a few of those, but they’re there on that field every single weekend. It’s incredible what we have achieved here in the U.S. to provide soccer with the best opportunity for people to truly embrace it as much as we have.”
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