Alex Morgan retires with the assurance that women’s soccer is flourishing, a testament to her impactful career and the strides made in the sport. Walking into her retirement news conference on Friday, she anticipated being the sole representative from the San Diego Wave, but was met with an unexpected and heartfelt ovation from her teammates, who filled the front rows.
“This is your day off!” Morgan exclaimed, visibly moved by the support surrounding her.
The decision to retire stems from her pregnancy with her second child, a joyous surprise that Morgan views as a continuation of her family’s journey. She expressed confidence in her contributions to the women’s game, stating, “It’s in an amazing place.”
“While I will play limited minutes this weekend, it remains an honor to lace up my boots and step onto that field one last time,” she said, demonstrating her dedication to the sport even in this transitional phase.
At 35, Morgan did not foresee retiring midseason, but the news of her pregnancy prompted her to reassess her timeline. Alongside her husband, Servando Carrasco, a former MLS player, and their 4-year-old daughter, Charlie, she embraced this unexpected chapter with joy.
“Although it came sooner than we anticipated, we are truly overjoyed,” Morgan shared, revealing her initial plan to retire at the season’s end.
After consulting with her husband and doctor regarding her playing time, Morgan decided that Sunday would mark her final match with the National Women’s Soccer League club, a decision she communicated to her teammates just days prior.
“I felt this was the right time,” she explained. “In recent weeks, I sensed a decline in my performance, and for the sake of my body and mind, this felt like the right choice.”
As she focuses on her growing family, Morgan remains committed to advancing women’s sports through her Alex Morgan Foundation and other ventures. She has plans to invest in the upcoming Unrivaled 3 on 3 women’s basketball league, set to debut in September.
“Coaching isn’t in my future,” she remarked, indicating her desire to explore other avenues while supporting the sport.
Morgan’s connection to soccer began long before her own playing days, as she often attended her sisters’ games and practiced on the sidelines. “I want Charlie to have siblings and a big, chaotic family like I did. My sisters were my everything and inspired my journey in soccer,” she reflected.
Her daughter, Charlie, has become a familiar presence around the Wave, prompting defender Naomi Girma to ask, “Can we still bring Charlie on road trips?”
Morgan playfully responded, “Well, Charlie has developed a fondness for Hillary (Beall). She’s somehow become the favorite in the last few weeks.”
As she prepares for her final match, Morgan aims to cherish the small moments, like getting her ankle taped one last time and singing the national anthem with her daughter by her side.
Reflecting on her own inspirations, she recalled attending Mia Hamm’s retirement game in 2004, a memory that left a lasting impact. “My mom took me because she knew I wanted to become a professional soccer player. Seeing Mia step onto the field for the last time changed me,” she said.
Morgan’s remarkable career includes 224 matches for the national team, where she scored 123 goals and provided 53 assists, ranking her among the top players in history. She earned the title of U.S. Soccer Player of the Year in 2012 and 2018.
Her contributions helped the United States secure an Olympic gold medal and two World Cup titles. Despite the disappointment of not making the Olympic roster this summer, she expressed pride in her team’s success.
Morgan’s legacy extends beyond the field, as she has been a prominent advocate for equal pay and benefits for the national team. She played a pivotal role in exposing the NWSL abuse scandal in 2021 and has championed reforms for better working conditions in the league.
Looking at her younger teammates, Morgan expressed confidence in the future of women’s soccer, stating, “We’re in good hands.” She emphasized, “Women’s soccer is thriving, and I have accomplished everything I set out to do. Watching these young players compete with such skill and confidence is what it’s all about.”
