Well, Alex Morgan just announced that the soccer fandom did not see coming! She is retiring, and she took it to social media, in a video that made everyone reach for tissues and revealed the news. But that doesn’t mean she is leaving without a bang! Morgan will be seen in one final showdown on Sunday when San Diego Wave FC takes on North Carolina Courage.

And guess what? Alex Morgan is not only bidding farewell to the pitch but also taking on a new personal journey! She announced that she expecting her second child. “I have so much clarity about this decision, and I am so happy to be able to finally tell you. “It has been a long time coming, and this decision wasn’t easy, but at the beginning of 2024, I felt in my heart and soul that this was the last season that I would play soccer,” said Alex.

That’s the cur for the emotional rollercoaster! The soccer community is bursting with love for Alex. But her friend and teammate Lindsey Horan added a whole new layer of emotion. Reposting Alex’s video Linsey wrote on Instagram, “Don’t think many people will ever understand the weight you carried with you every day being the face of this team and women’s football in general. You made the game better for so many little ones looking up to you and what an incredible career on top of it. Congrats Al.” If that doesn’t strike a chord, what will?

Alex Morgan bids adieu as an icon to be remembered. She has the feathers of 123 goals in 224 caps, two World Cup trophies, and an Olympic gold medal on her ever-so-glorious crown. Above all her stacked wins, Team USA will feel her impact off the field.  As Horan beautifully put it, “Congrats Al.” Morgan Alex has left behind some pretty big boots to fill!

The Horan-Morgan history

When it comes to dynamic duos in women’s soccer, Alex Morgan and Lindsey Horan are definitely making the charts. Their camaraderie on the field and off is palpable. In 2023, both Alex and Lindsey were named USWNT captains for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The two stepped up to the role after injury sidelined long-time captain Becky Sauerbrunn.

As head coach Vlatko Andonovski puts it, “We have a lot of leaders on this team among the young players and the veteran players, and among those, Lindsey and Alex have vast experience in big games, and they understand what it takes to win at the highest levels.” Despite their best efforts, Sweden knocked the US team out in the Round of 16.

But they both did win in 2019! In the 2019 Women’s World Cup, both Alex Morgan and Lindsey Horan were key to their win. Alex with her 123 goals and 206+ appearances has been a force to be feared. She has also been the team captain 22 times. Horan equally formidable has worn the captain hat nine times. With recent stints at the Olympique Lyonnais and Morgan’s role with the San Diego Wave, they are synergy is strong as ever.

There are interests beyond soccer that connect the two. Alex and Lindsey are both advocates for the game’s growth and equality. Lindsey Horan has a history of being featured in ‘World At Their Feet’ series that featured top footballers for the Women’s World Cup. On the other hand, Morgan has been very vocal about establishing pay parity between men’s and women’s soccer.