Alex Morgan's Emotional Farewell: A Legacy Cemented

Alex Morgan bid an emotional farewell to soccer, ending a remarkable 15-year career with the San Diego Wave. She announced her retirement and pregnancy with her second child. Morgan's career was full of notable achievements, including two World Cup titles and an Olympic Gold medal. She also played a significant role in advancing women's soccer, especially in the fight for equal pay.

Fighting tears, Alex Morgan waved to the crowd and exited the field for the last time, capping off an impactful 15-year career. The two-time Women's World Cup winner revealed on Thursday that she is pregnant with her second child and retiring from the sport. She started and wore the captain's armband for the San Diego Wave in her final match, playing the first 13 minutes against the North Carolina Courage before receiving an ovation at San Diego's Snapdragon Stadium.

"What a ride it's been," Morgan addressed the crowd after the match. In her 63rd appearance for the Wave, she was honored with a No. 63 jersey. Including this game, Morgan has played 150 career matches in National Women's Soccer League play.

Before the match, a video scoreboard displayed snippets of Morgan's retirement video and career highlights. Her 4-year-old daughter, Charlie, and over 95 family members and friends attended the game. The Wave's starters imitated Morgan's iconic 'tea sipping' celebration for a team photo, paying homage to her go-ahead goal against England in the 2019 World Cup semifinals.

(With inputs from agencies.)