Soccer in the USA will feel a massive void after Alex Morgan’s retirement. The former USWNT star has left a lasting legacy both on and off the pitch as she looks to venture out into the next stage of her career. But, apart from all her accolades, she will be remembered as a player who loved number 13. While the California-born’s jersey number takes a special place in supporters’ hearts, Lynn Williams found herself lucky to wear it once. The current USA forward opened up on what the ‘weighted’ jersey meant for her.

Speaking on the Women’s Game podcast, Williams revealed that she had encountered Morgan’s impetus without her presence. She said, “I wore number 13 and I didn’t really know I was wearing number 13 until the game started. And part of me was like obviously really excited like of course, I want to wear her number.” However, by wearing it despite some hesitation, Williams learned about the shirt’s value and the pressure you have after wearing it.

She further said, “And that was the first time I really felt her impact on the soccer field because the fans were just like ‘Why are you wearing her number? That’s Alex’s number. You’re like ‘It wasn’t up to me. I didn’t pick this. It was just given to me. I’m so sorry she’ll have it back.’ But obviously, when you’re younger you’re like ‘I’m so sorry,'” stating how fans’ love for Alex Morgan led Williams to apologize then. Nevertheless, looks like the ability rubbed off on the Gotham FC star who herself became a prolific goalscorer. The 31-year-old holds the record for most goals in NWSL.

Meanwhile, the passion Alex Morgan incites to her fans is enormous. Recently, the OL Reign coach expressed how she was taken by surprise by the way the home fans of Portland Thorns cheer for former #13. Helping her teams win trophies with clutch performances, Morgan truly is a fan favorite. But her affinity for her jersey number has some history.

Why does Alex Morgan love the number thirteen?

The number 13 was considered very important for Morgan. In her final game against North Carolina Courage, the 35-year-old was subbed off in the 13th minute as a tribute to her #13. Even her Instagram account’s username is alexmorgan13 suggesting the history behind the number. In 2014, the former Wave star revealed that she and her sister initially considered the number unlucky as they could not find a 13th-floor. But later realizing it to be silly, Alex Morgan decided to embrace it and over the years, he understood that there was no misfortune attached to it.

Regardless, the USWNT and the NWSL will miss one of their favorite stars. Morgan was given an emotional send-off at the Snapdragon Stadium, which also saw her teammates create 1 and 3 with their hands as a gesture to honor the striker. While she left USWNT as its 5th highest scorer, Williams would like to replicate her excellence on the pitch whenever she plays for the Stars and Stripes.