Alex Morgan - A Detailed Overview
Early Life
Born Alexandra Patricia Morgan Carrasco on July 2, 1989, in San Dimas, California, Alex Morgan was raised with her two older sisters by their parents, Pamela S. and Michael T. Morgan. She began playing soccer at an early age, demonstrating her talents and cementing her love for the sport. Morgan attended Diamond Bar High School, where she was a three-time all-league pick and was named an NSCAA All-American. She graduated early from the University of California, Berkeley, where she played for the California Golden Bears and was recognized as a multiple All-American.
College Career
Morgan attended UC Berkeley, where she played for the Golden Bears from 2007-2010. In her freshman year, she led the team in scoring, earning several accolades along the way. During her time with the Golden Bears, Morgan scored 45 goals, ranking third in the university's history. Her college career was briefly interrupted during the 2008 U20 Women's World Cup, but she returned to help lead her team to the NCAA tournament, where they reached the second round.
Club Career
Morgan's professional club career began in 2011 when she was drafted first overall by the Western New York Flash in the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) draft. During her first season, the Flash won the WPS Championship. Following the WPS' dissolution in 2012, Morgan joined Seattle Sounders Women. After a short stint with the Sounders, she moved to Portland Thorns FC in the newly formed National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), helping them win a league title in her first season. She transferred to Orlando Pride in 2015. As of 2020, Morgan has been playing for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Women's Super League (WSL).
International Career
Morgan's international career started in 2008 with the U.S. U-20 Women's National Team, where she showed great promise, particularly during the U20 Women's World Cup. Morgan quickly ascended to the senior team, making her debut in 2010. She would go on to play a significant role in the USA's successes in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup and particularly in the 2012 London Olympic Games, where her 123rd-minute goal in the semi-final against Canada – the latest scored in FIFA competition history – is still talked about. Morgan was part of the victorious US teams in the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women's World Cups, cementing her status as a world-class striker.
Style of Play and Reception
Known for her speed, agility, and shooting skills, Morgan is widely recognized as one of the world's best forwards. She's often praised for her ability to perform under pressure, as demonstrated by her various last-minute goals. Morgan's playing style combines intelligence on the field, remarkable ball control, and precise finishing. She has been awarded numerous accolades for her performances.
Off-Field Activities
Off the field, Morgan is equally impressive, proving to be a role model and inspiration for young girls worldwide. She has used her platform to advocate for pay equality in women's soccer and is actively involved in charity work. Furthermore, Morgan is a published author, having released a series of middle-grade books titled 'The Kicks', aimed at inspiring young girls. She also starred in the film 'Alex & Me', centered around a young girl inspired by her to pursue her own soccer dreams.
Personal Life
Morgan married professional soccer player Servando Carrasco in 2014. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Charlie, in 2020. Morgan is known for her humble personality and strong work ethic, values that she has often attributed to her family's influence.
