With the Olympics coming up, I thought it would be appropriate to feature Alex Morgan this week; starting forward for the US Women's National Soccer Team. Now, I am not one to watch women's sports but Alex caught my attention during the 2011 World Cup and ever since, I have loved watching the USWNT play. If you're going to look out for anything during this summer's Olympics, look out for #13, Alex Morgan.
As a California native, Alex attended Diamond Bar High School and then continued on to play for the University of California, Berkely. As a freshmen, sophomore and junior, Alex led the Bears in goals scored. During her sophomore and senior year, Alex had commitments to the national team so unfortunately she was unable to play many games during those seasons. Alex is currently tied for third in most goals scored at Cal, and if weren't for all the games she had to miss, there is no doubt she would have been the leading goal scorer in the team's history.
As a California native, Alex attended Diamond Bar High School and then continued on to play for the University of California, Berkely. As a freshmen, sophomore and junior, Alex led the Bears in goals scored. During her sophomore and senior year, Alex had commitments to the national team so unfortunately she was unable to play many games during those seasons. Alex is currently tied for third in most goals scored at Cal, and if weren't for all the games she had to miss, there is no doubt she would have been the leading goal scorer in the team's history.
Alex was then put on the national team roster (the youngest on the team) and her role was to come off the bench and make an impact; and she certainly did that. When Alex would come in off the bench, it was like the whole atmosphere of the game changed. Alex was a huge reason why the team even qualified for the World Cup.
Here is Alex's goal against Italy; a huge goal that helped the team qualify for the World Cup.
But where I think Alex got my attention was during the World Cup, especially in the final game against Japan. It seems as if all Megan Rapinoe has to do is send a long ball down the field to Alex and they are almost guaranteed a goal. They call Alex 'baby horse' and these videos should clearly show why.
Alex's goal in the semi final against France
Alex's goal against Japan in the final.
Alex was able to make a name for herself during the World Cup and on the road to the Olympics she has earned herself a starting position on the team. There is no doubt that Alex is a huge threat to any team they play. Give Alex a long ball and with her aggressive playing style and incredible speed, one touch is all she needs. What I like about Alex is that she always goes hard. It does not matter if they already have 4 goals; whenever Alex has an opportunity to score, she does.
Alex now plays for Seattle Sounders and will be making her Olympic debut in London this month. I would definitely look for Alex to come up clutch during this set of Olympics. She is the future of the national team and I expect her to become as legendary as Mia Hamm.
