In honor of Alex Morgan's 24th Birthday, I decided to count down the 10 most memorable moments of her career and provide some memorable photos as well!
10. 2008 Women's under 20 World Cup
Relatively unknown on the international level, Morgan was a breakout star in the u20 world cup where she scored four goals, won the silver ball and bronze boot, and helped lead the United States to a championship. In the final against North Korea, Morgan scored a spectacular second goal in a 2-1 win. The goal was voted FIFA's second best goal of 2008.
9. First International Goal
Morgan scored her first international goal in a friendly against China in October of 2010. In a sign of things to come Morgan used her speed and strength to get by the defense and run onto a flicked on header from Abby Wambach. In one swift motion, Morgan buried the ball in the back of the net and then ran to hug Kristine Lilly her childhood hero.
8. 2012 Olympic Qualifying Tournament Final
Despite her breakout performance in the World Cup, Morgan was still a substitute for the USWNT as they began their qualifying for the 2012 Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. Morgan was given her chance when coach Pia Sundhage named her to the starting roster for the final against Canada. Morgan rewarded her coach and solidified her spot in the starting eleven with two goals and two assists in a 4-0 US victory.
7. 2013 Algarve Cup Final
After her breakout year in 2012, many wondered how Morgan would play in 2013 with a new coach. After scoring only once in the first five games of the year, Morgan silenced her doubters with an impressive performance in the Algarve Cup final where she scored both goals in a 2-0 win over the powerful Germans.
6. 2012 Ballon d'or Nomination
In a year where she scored 28 goals and tallied 21 assists, Morgan was also nominated for FIFA's annual Ballon d'or, an award given to the best women's soccer player in the world. Morgan was one of three nominated along with her teammate Abby Wambach (the winner) and Marta. Although she didn't win, the nomination was a phenomenal achievement in itself.
5. The 20 20 club
2012 was a banner year in which Morgan became the first women since U.S. soccer great Mia Hamm to score at least 20 goals and 20 assists in a calendar year. This incredible achievement stands as a tribute to Morgan's goal scoring prowess and unselfish play that allowed her to both score and assist on many goals.
4. Stoppage time goal versus Italy
After losing to Mexico 2-1 in the World Cup Qualifying tournament in 2010 the USWNT was in danger of not qualifying for the 2011 World Cup, and were faced with the challenge of facing Italy in a two-game playoff for the final spot. In the first leg in Padova, Italy the US were held scoreless until Morgan, at that time an unproven rookie, scored the winning goal deep into stoppage time.
3. World Cup Semi-Final Goal
In a substitute role throughout the 2011 World Cup, Morgan made the most of her opportunity when she scored her first ever World Cup goal against France in the semi-finals to book the United State's ticket to the Final. Taking a pass from Megan Rapinoe, Morgan sprinted down the field and from a tough angle chipped the ball over the head of the French Keeper.
2. World Cup Final Performance
Because of an injury to Lauren Cheney in the World Cup final, Morgan entered the game at halftime eager to make a difference, and make a difference she did. In the 67th minute she scored the game's opening goal after taking a long pass from Megan Rapinoe and beating two Japanese defenders to unleash a powerful strike into the top right corner of the net. However Morgan wasn't finished yet, in extra time she made a beautiful cross towards Abby Wambach who headed it in to give the US the lead again, before they eventually lost heartbreakingly on penalties.
1. Last Second Winner against Canada in the 2012 Olympics
While Morgan has had many fabulous moments, the most memorable occurred when she scored a goal in the 122nd minute to defeat Canada and send the United States to the Olympic Gold Medal Match. After trailing three separate times the U.S. had fought their way back and were tied 3-3 with Canada in a game that seemed destined for penalty kicks. However, deep into stoppage time of extra time, Morgan out-jumped her Canadian defender to head Heather O'reilly's cross over the keeper and into the net. The goal capped off an incredible 2012 for Morgan and her rise to become one of the most clutch and best women's soccer players in the world.
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