An abrupt end is a common motif in the San Diego Wave stints of Alex Morgan and ex-coach Casey Stoney. Morgan was quite quick to announce she would be retiring after tonight’s Wave- NC Courage game. Meanwhile, the Wave abruptly sacked Stoney in June, this year, citing the team’s winless streak under the British coach. Since Stoney had parted ways with the Wave, she couldn’t be at the stands to watch Morgan’s swan song. Anyhow, the former boss penned a touching note before the 35-year-old danced her last.

The former Manchester United coach took to X and guaranteed that she would be tuning in from the UK to watch Alex Morgan’s swan song. “I hope tonight’s occasion is one that @alexmorgan13 deserves. Sad I can’t be there but I’ll be watching on because I couldn’t miss this one,” said Casey Stoney in her post on X. The ex-Wave boss then gave a fitting shout-out to her former superstar’s disciple’s ace leadership acumen. 

“One last time Captain Always a Leader Forever a Legend,” Casey Stoney added, referring to Alex Morgan. The USWNT legend and the former English skipper share one of the closest bonds in the NWSL. Stoney has been coaching the two-time World champion since she joined the Wave in 2022. The duo were key to San Diego’s NWSL Shield win last year and this year’s Challenge Cup win. Anyhow, their connection transcends on-field heroics. Morgan’s daughter Charlie and Casey’s kids, Teddy, Tilly, and Willow are the best of friends. Reacting to Stoney’s Wave exit, Morgan said Charlie will miss the former’s children the most.

However, apart from missing Morgan’s the English coach is better off not watching the San Diego-North Carolina game. There were sweet moments for Morgan. But the last dance was largely bitter for the former US striker.

A sneak peek into Alex Morgan’s bittersweet swan song

Since Alex Morgan was lacing up for her last dance, the NWSL decided to give her one of the most historic honors. The NWSL and its partners came together to simultaneously broadcast the SD Wave-NC Courage tie across multiple platforms such as CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, NWSL+, Prime Video, ESPN2, and ESPN+. Earlier, the NWSL used to broadcast games only on NWSL+ and ESPN+. Since a player of Morgan’s stature is retiring, the NWSL chief couldn’t help but allow every fan in the US to catch a glimpse of the historic moment.

Besides, the Wave paid a fitting tribute to the USWNT legend by subbing her off in the 13th minute, in a nod to her iconic jersey number 13. Fans wearing ‘SNDGOAT13’ t-shirts filled the stance in the Snapdragon stadium. However, bitter moments took a fair share of the toll on Morgan’s retirement match. Firstly, she had a chance to retire with a goal. But she misfired that penalty in the 10th minute. Thereafter, from the bench, Morgan saw her team embarrassingly crash 1-4 to the guests.

So, it is surely not the farewell Alex deserved. But now she walks out as an all-time great of the game. Had she continued, recurring injuries must have taken a bigger toll on her, and her career would have interfered with her personal life when she is expecting a second child. So, the timing of Morgan’s retirement has been great. But the swan song could have been sweeter.