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Watch: Alex Morgan’s emotional reaction to getting subbed off in retirement game

By Giancarlo Cornejo September 8, 2024
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A legend of the game, ladies and gentlemen.
NWSL | X

Alex Morgan lived her last-ever professional soccer game, as she made her final career appearance for the San Diego Wave in their NWSL match against North Carolina Courage on Sunday.

Despite the extreme heat wave in Southern California this weekend, fans in San Diego filled the seats of Snapdragon Stadium, eager to watch the U.S. women’s national team legend say goodbye to her 13-year career.

San Diego Wave’s roster paid tribute to Morgan the minute they stepped onto the pitch, with teammates wearing special Alex Morgan jerseys and t-shirts, wearing her customary pink hair prewrap and taking the official team photo by emulating Morgan’s iconic “Sipping Tea” celebration against England in the 2019 World Cup.

Watch: Alex Morgan emotional reaction to retirement

Morgan, who had announced her retirement on Tuesday along with her pregnancy, started the match and was substituted in the 13th minute — paying tribute to the striker’s jersey number worn throughout her club and national team career.

The Wave, who had conceded just four minutes into the match, also put the score level in the 13th minute.

The former USWNT player was visibly emotional as her teammates and opposition gathered around her in the center of the pitch, with thousands of fans cheering the striker on as she bid farewell to her professional career.

Morgan took no time to “hang the boots,” untying her shoelaces and walking off the pitch without her cleats as she was replaced by Amirah Ali.

Watch: Alex Morgan misses penalty in farewell match; commentator appalled

The legend’s special night could’ve ended on a picture-perfect note, however, as Morgan missed the opportunity to score on her last-ever game in the 10th minute, with her penalty attempt coming up short against Courage’s (and USWNT’s) Casey Murphy. 

Match commentator, Maura Sheridan, could not believe Morgan’s penalty was saved, jokingly asking how Murphy was capable of ripping Morgan off the opportunity of retiring on the scoresheet. And we don’t blame her.

The scenes if that would’ve gone in.

Despite the miss, Morgan’s legacy and farewell remained intact, with the over 26,000 fans in attendance in San Diego staying until the end of the match (despite the loss) to give Morgan her flowers, with family and friends coming onto the field to put her career to a beautiful end.

“What a ride it’s been, I just wanna thank my teammates who have constantly challenged me every day and made me better” said Morgan.

“I wanna thank my family who have relentlessly supported me, sacrificed so much for me… I love you guys — all 95 of you who are here tonight”

The No. 13 also took the time to address her fandom, showing her appreciation for fans who traveled from around the country to watch her final game and for supporting her throughout her career.

“The fans… you pushed me to be my best self every day, pushed me to be the best soccer player, the best mom, 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.

“I know people have come here from three days notice, from Alaska, Massachusetts, Colorado, Florida… honestly, all around the country and just thank you” she added.

“There has been so many incredible moments in my career, but this one, this last moment I shared no the field with you, I will cherish forever. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

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