Mon Sep 09 12:00:52 UTC 2024: ## US Soccer Legend Alex Morgan Retires After Emotional Farewell Game

**San Diego, CA** – Two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist Alex Morgan bid farewell to her professional soccer career in an emotional game on Sunday at Snapdragon Stadium. A crowd of 26,516, some traveling from across the country, gathered to pay tribute to the 35-year-old forward, who announced her retirement on Thursday.

Morgan, pregnant with her second child, played her final match as the San Diego Wave fell to the North Carolina Courage 4-1 in a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) match. The game was broadcast simultaneously across multiple platforms, a testament to her impact on the sport.

Wearing the captain’s armband, Morgan walked onto the field with her four-year-old daughter Charlie, marking her 150th career appearance in the NWSL. The Wave celebrated her career with a pre-game ceremony and a special no. 63 jersey, representing her 63 appearances for the team.

Morgan played 13 minutes before being subbed off to a thunderous ovation, tears streaming down her face. In her heartfelt farewell speech, she thanked her teammates, family, and fans for their unwavering support and the constant challenges they presented, which helped her become the player she is.

“What a ride it has been,” Morgan said. “The fans… you pushed me to be my best self every day. You pushed me to be the best soccer player, to be the best mom, be the best person I could be, just showing up every day, supporting me, encouraging me, challenging me, criticizing me at times, I just thank you so much.”

Morgan’s career spans 15 years, including two World Cup wins (2015 and 2019), an Olympic gold medal (2012), and a prolific career in the NWSL. She was also a key player for French club Lyon and English side Tottenham Hotspur.

Beyond her accomplishments on the field, Morgan has been a vocal advocate for equal pay and treatment of women in sports, serving as a role model for aspiring athletes. Her retirement marks the end of an era for women’s soccer, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and activism.

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