As Abby Wambach nodded the ball down in the penalty area at Subaru Park 15 years ago, Alex Morgan – wearing her signature pink headband – made her run and scored her first international goal. Morgan reflected on it as “the start of something great,” yielding to even greater accomplishments.

During her career, Morgan netted 123 goals for the U.S. women’s national team, recorded 220 caps over 14 years, and secured two Women’s World Cup titles as well as an Olympic gold medal.

On Thursday, she returned to the same stadium nearly 15 years later for a retirement ceremony after she announced her retirement last year, likely facing a full crowd unlike her debut match.

“I think for everyone on this team, she’s just a hero for all of us. I think she epitomizes what it means to leave something better than you found it,” said midfielder Sam Coffey, recalling her admiration for Morgan since childhood.

This Thursday marks the beginning of a new chapter for the USWNT as they face Portugal under the guidance of head coach Emma Hayes, with a fresh crop of talent building on the legacy left by veterans like Morgan.

“I think she has taught us to be excellent in this environment and that’s what we strive to uphold,” Lavelle noted, crediting Morgan and her peers for establishing the competitive culture within the squad.

Morgan’s influence extends beyond the pitch; she has been a pivotal figure in the equal pay fight against the U.S. Soccer Federation, culminating in a historic settlement in 2022. Her legacy is not just about scoring goals; it’s about paving the way for future generations of female athletes.

“I think what she’s done and continued to do for women’s sports in general has been huge,” Lavelle added, emphasizing the substantial impact Morgan’s career has had on the landscape of women’s soccer.