Who is Alex Morgan and what are her key achievements in soccer. How has she contributed to the success of the US Women’s National Team. What impact has Alex Morgan made on and off the field throughout her career.
Alex Morgan’s Rise to USWNT Stardom
Alex Morgan has established herself as one of the most prolific goalscorers in the history of the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT). Born on July 2, 1989, in Diamond Bar, California, Morgan’s soccer journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Standing at 5’7″, the forward currently plays for San Diego Wave FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Morgan’s international career began on March 31, 2010, when she earned her first cap against Mexico in Sandy, Utah. She scored her first goal for the national team on October 2, 2010, against China PR in Chester, Pennsylvania. Since then, Morgan has become an integral part of the USWNT, consistently delivering outstanding performances on the world stage.
Key Milestones in Morgan’s USWNT Career
- Reached the 200-cap milestone on November 13, 2022, against Germany
- Ranks in the top 10 in USWNT history for goals, assists, and multi-goal games
- Two-time U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year (2012, 2018)
- Four-time Concacaf Player of the Year (2013, 2016, 2017, 2018)
- Five-time FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 selection (2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022)
- Three-time finalist for FIFA World Player of the Year (2012, 2019, 2022)
World Cup Triumphs and Olympic Glory
Morgan’s impact on the international stage has been significant, with impressive performances in multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups and Olympic Games. How has she contributed to the USWNT’s success in these major tournaments?
FIFA Women’s World Cup Achievements
- Two-time Women’s World Cup champion (2015, 2019)
- Silver Boot winner at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup (6 goals, 3 assists)
- Tied USWNT single-game scoring record with 5 goals against Thailand in 2019
- Appeared in all 7 games and scored against Colombia in the 2015 World Cup
- Scored twice as a substitute in the 2011 World Cup, including in the final against Japan
Olympic Success
Morgan is a three-time Olympian, with her most notable achievement coming at the 2012 London Olympics. There, she played a crucial role in helping the USA capture gold, scoring a dramatic 123rd-minute goal in the epic semifinal win against Canada. This goal showcased Morgan’s ability to perform under pressure and cemented her status as a clutch player for the USWNT.
Club Career Highlights and International Experiences
While Morgan’s international career has been stellar, her club performances have also been impressive. How has she fared in various leagues around the world?
NWSL Success
Morgan has been a standout player in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) for 11 years. Her best season came in 2022 when she won the Golden Boot as the league’s top scorer, netting 15 goals in just 17 regular-season games for the expansion side San Diego Wave FC. This achievement highlighted her consistency and ability to perform at the highest level even as she entered the later stages of her career.
Other Club Achievements
- Won the WPS Championship with Western New York Flash in 2011
- Clinched the inaugural NWSL Championship with Portland Thorns FC in 2013
- Played for Tottenham Hotspur in England
- Won the UEFA Women’s Champions League with Olympique Lyonnais in 2016-17
Personal Life and Off-Field Impact
Beyond her on-field achievements, Alex Morgan has made significant strides in her personal life and has become a role model for many. How has she balanced her professional career with her personal life?
Family and Motherhood
Morgan is the daughter of Pamela and Michael Morgan and is married to Servando Carrasco, a former professional soccer player. In May 2020, she welcomed her first child, a daughter named Charlie. Remarkably, Morgan returned to the field for the USWNT in November 2020, just five months after giving birth, showcasing her dedication and determination to continue her soccer career while embracing motherhood.
Her ability to balance motherhood and her professional career has been inspiring. With her goal against Brazil at the 2023 SheBelieves Cup, Morgan surpassed Joy Fawcett for the most goals scored as a mother in USWNT history, further cementing her legacy both on and off the field.
Advocacy and Influence
Morgan has used her platform to advocate for various causes, including gender equality in sports and women’s rights. Her influence extends beyond the soccer field, making her a role model for young athletes and fans alike. How has she leveraged her fame to make a positive impact on society?
Preparing for the Fourth FIFA Women’s World Cup
As Morgan heads into her fourth FIFA Women’s World Cup, expectations are high for the experienced forward. How has she been preparing for this tournament, and what can fans expect from her performance?
Recent Performances and Form
Morgan’s recent performances for both club and country have been impressive. Her Golden Boot-winning season in the NWSL demonstrates that she is still at the top of her game. Additionally, her crucial penalty kick goal against Canada in the 2022 Concacaf W Championship final, which earned her the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, shows that she continues to deliver in high-pressure situations.
Role in the USWNT
As one of the most experienced players in the squad, Morgan’s role extends beyond just scoring goals. Her leadership and mentorship of younger players will be crucial as the team aims to defend their World Cup title. How will her experience and skill set contribute to the team’s overall strategy and performance in the upcoming tournament?
Legacy and Future Prospects
Alex Morgan’s impact on women’s soccer in the United States and globally is undeniable. As she continues to add to her impressive list of accomplishments, what will her lasting legacy be in the sport?
Records and Achievements
Morgan’s name is already etched in the record books of U.S. Soccer. Her consistency in scoring goals and providing assists has placed her among the all-time greats of the game. As she approaches the latter stages of her career, which records does she have in her sights, and how might she further cement her place in soccer history?
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond her on-field achievements, Morgan’s influence on young soccer players, especially girls, cannot be overstated. Her success, combined with her advocacy for equality in sports, has inspired countless aspiring athletes. How will her career and actions continue to shape the future of women’s soccer in the United States and around the world?
The Evolution of Alex Morgan’s Playing Style
Throughout her career, Alex Morgan has continually adapted and refined her playing style. How has her approach to the game changed over the years, and what makes her such a formidable opponent on the field?
Versatility and Tactical Awareness
Morgan’s ability to play various roles in the attack has made her a valuable asset to both club and country. While primarily known for her goalscoring prowess, she has also developed into an excellent playmaker, capable of creating opportunities for her teammates. How has this versatility contributed to her longevity in the sport?
Physical and Mental Preparation
At 33 years old, Morgan continues to perform at an elite level. Her dedication to fitness and mental preparation has allowed her to maintain her speed, agility, and quick decision-making abilities. What specific training regimens or mental techniques has she employed to stay at the top of her game?
Morgan’s journey from a promising young talent to one of the most recognizable faces in women’s soccer is a testament to her skill, determination, and passion for the game. As she continues to write new chapters in her illustrious career, fans around the world eagerly anticipate her next achievements on the international stage.
Alex Morgan | USWNT | U.S. Soccer Official Site
Profile
- Position Forward
- Number 13
- Date of Birth Jul 02 1989
- Hometown Diamond Bar, CA
- Height 5′ 7″
- Club San Diego Wave FC
FIRST CAP: March 31, 2010 vs. Mexico (Sandy, Utah)
FIRST GOAL: Oct. 2, 2010 vs. China PR (Chester, Pa.)
NaTIONAL TEAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Heading into her fourth FIFA Women’s World Cup, Moran ranks in the top 10 in USWNT history in goals, assists and multi-goal games.
- On Nov. 13, 2022 vs. Germany in the final match of the year, she became the 13th player in USWNT history to reach the 200-cap milestone.
- She scored one of the biggest goals of the year, converting from the penalty spot to defeat Canada, 1-0, in the title game of the 2022 Concacaf W Championship as she helped the USA earn berths to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2024 Paris Olympics.
She was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. - Twice named U.S. Soccer’s Female Athlete of the Year (2012, 2018), Morgan is also a four-time Concacaf Player of the Year (2013, 2016, 2017, 2018), a five-time FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 selection (2016 ,2017, 2019, 2021, 2022) and a three-time finalist for FIFA World Player of the Year (2012, 2019, 2022).
- A three-time Olympian, Morgan helped the USA capture gold at the 2012 London Olympics highlighted by her 123rd minute goal in the USA’s epic semifinal win against Canada.
She was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.PREVIOUS WORLD CUP EXPERIENCE
- A two-time Women’s World Cup champion, Morgan won the Silver Boot at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, scoring six goals and three assists. She tied the USA’s single-game scoring record with five goals in the opening match against Thailand.
- Appeared in all seven games at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, making five starts and scoring against Colombia while helping the USA to its first World Cup title since 1999.
- Made her World Cup debut in 2011 where she appeared in five matches as a substitute and scored twice, including in the Final against Japan.
- Scored one of the most important goals in USWNT Qualifying history when she came on and scored in the first leg of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Playoff against Italy in 2010.
- Helped the USA win the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and scored the winning goal in the Final against Korea DPR
CLUB HIGHLIGHTS
- An 11-year-veteran of the NWSL, Morgan had her best NWSL season in 2022 and won the Golden Boot as the league’s top scorer with 15 goals in just 17 games regular season games expansion side San Diego Wave FC.
- Won a WPS Championship with the Western New York Flash in 2011 and won the inaugural NWSL Championship in 2013 as a member of Portland Thorns FC.
- Played briefly in England with Tottenham Hotspur and in France for Olympique Lyonnais, with whom she won the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2016-17.
PERSONAL
- Daughter of Pamela and Michael Morgan and married to Servando Carrasco, a former professional soccer player.
- Welcomed her first child, a daughter named Charlie, in May of 2020 and returned to the field for the USWNT in November of 2020, just five months after giving birth.
- With her goal against Brazil at the 2023 SheBelieves Cup, Morgan moved past Joy Fawcett for the most goals scored as a mother in USWNT history.
- Has two dogs named Blue and Kona.
U-23 Women’s National Team | U.S. Soccer Official Website
As the USA’s oldest Women’s Youth National Team, the U-23 WYNT serves a valuable role in helping bridge the large gap between college soccer and the National Team, and functions as an important development partner with the NWSL.
The team moved from Under-21 to Under-23 in 2008, in response to FIFA moving its oldest youth world championship from Under-19s to Under-20s, as well as a change in the Nordic Cup competition which became a U-23 event.
With the Nordic Cup ending in 2009, the U.S. U-23s have pursued other international competition, mostly in Spain and Scandinavia, and in recent years have attended an NWSL preseason tournament in Portland where it plays three games against NWSL clubs.
current roster
goalkeepers
- Mia Justus (Texas; Lakewood, Ohio)
- Cayla White (Virginia; Arlington, Va.)
Defenders
- Lauren Flynn (Florida State; Arlington, Va.)
- Eva Gaetino (Notre Dame; Dexter, Mich.)
- Quincy McMahon (UCLA; Highland Ranch, Colo.)
- Ayo Oke (California; Lawrenceville, Ga.)
- Lilly Reale (UCLA; Hingham, Mass.)
- Talia Staude (Virginia; Atlanta, Ga.)
- Ellie Wheeler (Penn State; Fairfax, Va.)
- Kate Wiesner (Penn State; Monrovia, Calif.)
Midfielders
- Talia DellaPeruta (UNC; Cumming, Ga.)
- Sunshine Fontes (UCLA; Wahiawa, Hawaii)
- Annie Karich (Santa Clara; Surfside, Calif. )
- Felicia Knox (Alabama; Shawnee, Kan.)
- Lexi Missimo (Texas; Southlake, Texas)
- Jillian Shimkin (Texas; Rockville Centre, N.Y.)
- Sarah Weber (Nebraska; Gretna, Neb.)
)Forwards
- Trinity Byars (Texas; Richardson, Texas)
- Taylor Huff (Florida State; Mansfield, Ohio)
- Simone Jackson (USC; Redondo Beach, Calif.)
- Avery Patterson (UNC; Jacksonville, Fla.)
- Brittany Raphino (Brown; Randolph, Mass.)
- Reilyn Turner (UCLA; Aliso Viejo, Calif.)
HEAD COACH
- Margueritte Aozasa
2023 schedule and results
2023 Results
| Date | Opponent | Result | USA Goals | Location |
| Feb. 17 | France U-23 | 2 – 0 W | Thompson, Cooper | Clairefontaine, France |
Feb. 20 | France U-23 | 1 – 1 T | Thompson | Clairefontaine, France |
| March 12 | OL Reign | 0 – 3 L | — | Portland, Oregon |
| March 15 | Portland Thorns FC | 1 – 4 L | Weber | Portland, Oregon |
| March 18 | Racing Louisville FC | 1 – 3 L | Turner | Portland, Oregon |
2023 statistics
Updated as of March 18, 2023
OVERALL RECORD: 1-3-1 (GF: 5, GA: 11)
U-23 INTERnational record: 1-0-1 (GF:3, GA:1)
| 2023 Overall Stats | 2023 International Stats | ||||||||||||||
| Name | Pos. | GP | GS | G | A | Y | R | GP | GS | Min | G | A | Y | R | |
| Albert, Korbin | M | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 112 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Bebar, Hannah | M | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Bornkamp, Megan | D | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 68 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Byars, Trinity | F | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 68 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |||
| Campbell, Ryan | GK | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Cooper, Michelle | F | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 105 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |||
| DellaPeruta, Talia | M | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Fishel, Mia | F | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 112 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |||
| Flynn, Lauren | D | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |||
| Fontes, Sunshine | M | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Gaetino, Eva | D | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 135 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Godfrey, Lia | M | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Hancuff, Hensley | GK | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Huff, Taylor | F | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 53 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Jackson, Simone | F | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Karich, Annie | M | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Knox, Felicia | M | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Kozal, Lauren | GK | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Linnehan, Peyton | F | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| McMahon, Quincy | D | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Missimo, Alexis | M | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 48 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Oke, Ayo | D | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Patterson, Avery | F | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Pinto, Brianna | M | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 112 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Purcell, Neeku | GK | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Raphino, Brittany | F | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Reale, Lilly | D | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 135 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Rouse, Laney | D | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 135 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |||
| Shimkin, Jillian | M | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Spaanstra, Alexa | F | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 112 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Staude, Talia | D | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Theoret, Alexis | M | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Thompson, Alyssa | F | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 90 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Turner, Reilyn | F | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Weber, Sarah | M | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Wheeler, Ellie | D | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Wiesner, Kate | D | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 157 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Own goal | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| TOTAL | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 180 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | ||
2023 Goalkeeper Statistics
| 2023 Overall Stats | 2023 International Stats | |||||||||||||||||||
| NAME | GP | GS | W | L | T | GF | GA | SO* | GP | GS | Min | W | L | T | GF | GA | SO* | GAA | ||
| Campbell, Ryan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Hancuff, Hensley | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 90 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Kozal, Lauren | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | ||
| Purcell, Neeku | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| TOTAL | 5 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 11 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 180 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0. 5 | ||
*Not including one shared shutout (Kozal/Hancuff, 2/17)
competition history
Nordic Cup Winners
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008
USA Women’s Soccer Team
US Women’s Soccer Team is the team that represents the United States of America in women’s international soccer matches and tournaments. One of the strongest in the world.
Contents
|
History
Composition
| Name | Date of birth | Club | Games (goals) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | |||
| Hope Solo | July 30, 1981 (aged 31) | magicJack (football club) | |
| Gillian Loyden | May 25, 1985 (aged 27) | magicJack (football club) | |
| Nicole Barnhart | October 10, 1981 (aged 31) | Philadelphia Independence (football club) | |
| Ashlyn Harris | October 19, 1985 (aged 27) | Washington Freedom (football club) | |
| Alyssa Nyher | April 20, 1988 (aged 24) | Boston Breakers (football club) | |
| Protectors | |||
| Jordan Angeli | May 31, 1986 (aged 26) | Boston Breakers (football club) | |
| Rachel Buhler | August 26, 1985 (aged 27) | Boston Breakers (football club) | |
| Stephanie Cox | April 3, 1986 (aged 26) | Boston Breakers (football club) | |
| Whitney Engen | November 28, 1987 (aged 25) | Chicago Red Stars (football club) | |
| Eli Krieger | July 28, 1984 (aged 28) | FFC Frankfurt (Germany) (football club) | |
| Amy Lepilbet | March 12, 1982 (aged 30) | Boston Breakers (football club) | |
| Heather Mitts | June 9, 1978 (aged 34) | Atlanta Beat (football club) | |
| Kelly O’Hara | August 4, 1988 (aged 24) | Boston Breakers (football club) | |
| Christy Rumpone | June 24, 1975 (aged 37) | magicJack (football club) | |
| Becky Sauerbrunn | June 6, 1985 (aged 27) | magicJack (football club) | |
| Megan Cord | April 16, 1986 (aged 26) | Sky Blue FC (football club) | |
| Brittany Taylor | September 18, 1987 (aged 25) | Sky Blue FC (football club) | |
| Midfielders | |||
| Yael Averbukh | 3 November 1986 (26 years old) | Sky Blue FC (football club) | |
| Shannon Box | June 29, 1977 (aged 35) | magicJack (football club) | |
| Sinead Farelli | November 16, 1989 (aged 23) | Philadelphia Independence (football club) | |
| Tobin Heath | May 29, 1988 (aged 24) | Sky Blue FC (football club) | |
| Megan Klingenberg | August 2, 1988 (aged 24) | Boston Breakers (football club) | |
| Laurie Lindsey | March 19, 1980 (aged 32) | Philadelphia Independence (football club) | |
| Carly Lloyd | July 16, 1982 (aged 30) | Atlanta Beat (football club) | |
| Joanna Loman | June 26, 1982 (aged 30) | RCD Espanyol (Spain) (football club) | |
| Christy Muis | February 25, 1991 (aged 21) | Boston College Eagles | |
| Heather O’Reilly | January 2, 1985 (aged 27) | Sky Blue FC (football club) | |
| Leslie Osborne | May 27, 1983 (aged 29) | Boston Breakers (football club) | |
| Megan Rapinu | July 5, 1985 (aged 27) | Philadelphia Independence (football club) | |
| Lindsey Tarplay | September 22, 1983 (aged 29) | magicJack (football club) | |
| Forwards | |||
| Lauren Cheney | September 30, 1987 (aged 25) | Boston Breakers (football club) | |
| Sidney Leroux | May 7, 1990 (aged 22) | UCLA (football club) | |
| Alex Morgan | July 2, 1989(23 years old) | Western New York Flash (football club) | |
| Amy Rodriguez | February 17, 1987 (aged 25) | Philadelphia Independence (football club) | |
| Abby Wembuck | June 2, 1980 (aged 32) | magicJack (football club) | |
Notable players
- Hope Solo
- Mia Hamm
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