Alex Morgan gets emotional send-off in final professional soccer match: Will cherish forever
Women’s soccer star Alex Morgan was given a heroes sendoff as she left the pitch for the final time in her career on Sunday in the 15th minute of the San Diego Wave FC’s match against the North Carolina Courage. Morgan made the surprise announcement last Thursday that she would be retiring from soccer and that her final professional match would take place on Sunday. The U.S.Women’s National Team star played in 15 minutes for the Wave and had a penalty shot saved in what was a 4-1 loss to North Carolina. “There has been so many incredible moments in my career, but this one — this last moment — I share on the field with you I will cherish forever.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Morgan said addressing the crowd after the match.When Morgan exited the game in the 15th minute, everything came to a halt as her San Diego teammates came over and hugged her and the fans began cheering and chanting her name. A clearly emotional Morgan could be seen trying to keep her composure as teammate after teammate congratulated her on a memorable career, which included being a two-time World Cup winner and an Olympic gold medalist. Morgan handed off the captain’s armband to Wave keeper Kailen Sheridan as her teammates created a circle and applauded. She waved to the crowd several times, including from midfield, as the 26,516 fans in attendance applauded Morgan. Fans continued to chant “Alex Morgan” after she had come off the field. “You pushed me to be my best self every day.
You pushed me to be the best soccer player, to be the best mom, to be the best person I could be,” Morgan said to the fans, thanking them for their support over the years.“Just showing up every day supporting me.
Encouraging me, challenging me, criticizing me at times.Just thank you so much.”Morgan anticipated about 80 family members to be in attendance for her final game and said ahead of time that she would be playing limited minutes. In addition to announcing the ...