Two-time Women’s World Cup winner Alex Morgan played 13 minutes in her final game before retirement on Sunday, a nod to the No. 13 jersey she wore for the majority of her storied career.
Morgan’s number was called shortly after the 13th minute of the San Diego Wave’s NWSL regular season clash with the North Carolina Courage, with Amirah Ali waiting on the touchline as the 35-year-old made a slow walk to the bench. Morgan instantly received hugs from her teammates, some of whom were visibly in tears as she called time on her career.
The player herself was smiling, much as she was at various points before and during her final game as a professional athlete, though she was also fighting back tears. The large crowd at Snapdragon Stadium began chanting her name while also holding signs paying tribute to her trailblazing legacy after a 14-year career.
Every player on the bench proceeded to hug Morgan when she finally approached her spot amongst the substitutes, eventually taking a seat to take in the rest of the game.
The game was 1-1 at the time Morgan came off, with the Courage scoring first but Kennedy Wesley scoring the equalizer in the 13th minute and allowing the World Cup winner one last chance to celebrate a goal before retiring. Morgan had a chance to score in the 10th minute but her penalty kick was saved by Courage goalkeeper Casey Murphy.
