Born: 1989 (San Dimas, California)
Biography:
Alexandra Morgan Carrasco, known as Alex Morgan, was born on July 2, 1989, in San Dimas, California. She is a prominent American professional soccer player, who has had a significant impact on women’s soccer both nationally and internationally. Morgan currently serves as the captain of San Diego Wave FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the premier division of women’s professional soccer in the United States. She has also played a pivotal role as a striker for the United States women’s national soccer team.
Morgan’s soccer journey began during her college years at the University of California, Berkeley, where she competed for the California Golden Bears. Her exceptional talent and drive on the field caught the attention of the soccer community, and she quickly became a standout player. Alexandra’s impressive performances paved the way for her selection as the number one overall pick in the 2011 Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) Draft by the Western New York Flash.
Making her professional debut with the Flash, Morgan wasted no time showcasing her skills and making an impact. She played a crucial role in helping the team clinch the league championship. At just 22 years old, Morgan was chosen to represent the United States at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she became the youngest player on the national team. Although the team finished as runners-up, Morgan’s exceptional performances during the tournament solidified her place as a rising star in women’s soccer.
Continuing her meteoric rise, Morgan etched her name in the history books at the 2012 London Olympics. In an enthralling semi-final match against Canada, she scored the match-winning goal in the 123rd minute, securing a place for the United States in the final. Her exceptional goal-scoring and playmaking abilities led her to accumulate an impressive tally of 28 goals and 21 assists in 2012 alone. This accomplishment made her the sixth and youngest American player to score 20 goals in a single season, joining the legendary Mia Hamm. Moreover, Morgan’s outstanding performances earned her the U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year accolade, as well as a place as a FIFA World Player of the Year finalist.
Morgan’s success continued as she played a vital role in leading the United States to victory at the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cups. Her contributions to both tournaments were invaluable, and she was named to the Dream Team for both events. In 2019, Morgan’s exceptional performances earned her the Silver Boot, recognizing her as the second-highest goal scorer of the tournament. Furthermore, her skills and contributions have solidified her place as one of the most influential players in women’s soccer history.
Not limiting herself to success on the domestic front, Morgan has also experienced triumphs internationally. In 2013, she joined Portland Thorns FC during the inaugural season of the National Women’s Soccer League and played a pivotal role in the team’s championship victory. She continued to impress during her tenure with the Thorns until she was traded to the Orlando Pride, a first-year franchise, in 2016.
In 2017, Morgan ventured overseas and signed with French team Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon), one of the most successful women’s soccer teams in the world. At Lyon, she flourished and experienced unprecedented success. Notably, Morgan played a pivotal role in helping the team secure the continental European treble, which included winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League title.
Beyond her achievements on the field, Morgan has made significant contributions off the pitch as well. She collaborated with Simon & Schuster to co-write a middle-grade book series called The Kicks, which centers around four young soccer players. The first book in the series, Saving the Team, debuted on The New York Times Best Seller list in May 2013, highlighting her impact beyond soccer. Morgan’s involvement in sports-related endeavors extended to the film industry as well, as she made her acting debut in the movie Alex & Me, released in 2018. In the film, Morgan portrays a fictionalized version of herself, further expanding her influence to new horizons.
Recognized both for her skills and marketability, Morgan has been consistently ranked as one of the top-paid American women’s soccer players. Her numerous endorsement deals have contributed significantly to her status as a sports icon and a role model for aspiring athletes around the world. Alongside Christine Sinclair of Canada and Steph Catley of Australia, Morgan made history as one of the first women’s soccer players to break barriers and pave the way for future generations.
Alex Morgan’s inspirational journey, marked by numerous accomplishments and contributions to women’s soccer, has left an indelible impact on the sport. She has solidified her place as a role model, not only for her exceptional skills but also for her strong character and dedication to the game. Morgan’s influence on women’s history in sports is undeniable, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Awards:
– U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year
– FIFA World Player of the Year finalist
– Silver Boot at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup