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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

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  Debate

Debate

Is Alex Morgan's mid-season retirement a betrayal to San Diego Wave's playoff hopes?

Alex Morgan is set to pass the baton to the next generations. Her fourteen years of splendid will end in a couple of days with the ace deciding to hand her boots in an astonishing move. Taking on social media, she posted an emotional message yesterday, revealing that the decision was long due. She also mentioned having no second thoughts about taking the call. But what made her take that call at this point?

Morgan’s international spell under Emma Hayes was lingering in uncertainty. Nonetheless, being an integral part of the San Diego Wave set-up which is struggling to keep up this season, the move may make you wonder why. Ideally, the San Diego Wave star may have played the entire season for the Wave who are at #12 in the NWSL table. However, the 35-year-old has stated, “This is not the retirement video I expected when I initially thought I was going to do this, because Charlie’s going to be a big sister.”

“I am pregnant. And as unexpected as this came, we are so overjoyed,” Morgan noted, announcing the expectation of her second child. Hence, the forward had to take the decision a bit earlier it appears. Meanwhile, Wave’s next game against North Carolina Courage will be her final dance on the pitch. The icon also expressed gratitude to have received the opportunity to have a farewell game.

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via Getty

Meanwhile, Alex Morgan assisted the San Diego team to Supporter’s Shield glory last year with 6 goals and 4 assists. Hence, the supporters would have expected to help the team reach the playoffs this time too. Her team needs to get to 8th position to reach the knockouts and has a deficit of 8 points from Bay FC. Regardless, even her latest form could also have added to the step forward.

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What next for Alex Morgan as she embarks on a new journey?

After Sunday, the crowds will miss a player who scored one of the most important goals in USWNT’s history in the 2012 Olympics. But, it had to be the 2024 Olympics that hinted at her exit from international soccer. While Emma Hayes took a tough decision excluding her from the roster for the Games in Paris, will the national team fans get to see a farewell ceremony for the 35-year-old?

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A few experts agree to see an official goodbye from the USWNT but considering her medical condition, whether a last match would be possible remains uncertain. However, in terms of profession, Morgan with her legacy could join punditry just like her previous teammate Ali Krieger and Carli Lloyd. She will leave the sport as USWNT and NWSL’s fourth-highest goalscorer, apart from winning 2 World Cups, 1 Olympics gold, and 1 NWSL shield apart from many other accolades.

What’s your perspective on:

Is Alex Morgan's mid-season retirement a betrayal to San Diego Wave's playoff hopes?

Have an interesting take?

In addition, Morgan is also into entrepreneurship confounding Together and also investing in other firms. Nevertheless, having an iconic soccer career, whether Morgan would be back with another role has to be seen. What’s your take on Morgan’s retirement? Share in the comments.