Alex Morgan’s enormous impetus has even astonished her rivals. The strangely nostalgic presence of the former San Diego Wave striker was a source of strength for the team, inspiring them with her energy and resolve. But to the club’s misery, she won’t lace her boots up anymore after calling off a 14-year senior career. However, amid all the attention toward her farewell, the fact that the team has landed into a dire straight after an NWSL thrashing seems to have hit the coach Landon Donovan.

While it was quite unreal to let go of Morgan in just a couple of days of notice, things look even bleak for the reigning Supporters Shield holders. Nevertheless, Donovan empathized with his team by stating, “It’s been a hard, emotional week for the team and I think we saw it a little bit in the performances today,” according to the Sporting Tribune.

Losing a player like Morgan can be tactically as well as emotionally daunting.

USWNT’s most prolific scorer in the last decade and a half was more than just a goal-provider for the team, although this year hasn’t taken off for her. The relationships that she built, her optimism, and her ability to contribute despite not being on the scoring charts made her aura real in the squad. Hence, the interim coach justified the result after their 1-4 loss to North Carolina Courage.

Yet, the Wave will understand that they could have avoided such a demotivating loss at this juncture. Most of the Courage scorers were left unmarked getting enough space in the attacking third to get past Kailen Sheridan. Meanwhile, the Wave could have been ahead in the 13th minute had Alex Morgan scored the spot-kick. Nonetheless, even Donovan could not hold himself in lauding the legend.

Landon Donovan’s heartwarming tribute to Alex Morgan

It was an unrestrained moment for soccer enthusiasts in the US to see one national team great hail another outgoing one. Donovan joined the San Diego Wave only a month ago after Casey Stoney was sacked in June. However, the coach who rendered his complete support to Alex Morgan has already developed a great professional connection with her.

The former USMNT icon stated, “For the sport of soccer in this country, for women’s sports and for women I think it’s unmatched. It’s been an honor, truly an honor to see her and get to know her in person over the last four weeks,” bidding her good-bye from his side.

Morgan leaves the San Diego Wave as their highest scorer in the two-and-a-half-year history. Assisting them to win the Shield last year, her aim would have been to take them through this year too. However, the 35-year-old hung up her boots unexpectedly citing pregnancy with her second child, leaving a colossal task for the Wave ahead.

On top of that, the California club has a seven-point deficit to catch up to the playoff contenders.