History of Alex Morgan in Timeline
Alexandra Morgan Carrasco is a prominent American professional soccer player known for her role as a striker. She leads as captain of both San Diego Wave FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States women's national soccer team. Notably, she shared captaincy of the national team with Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe for three years.
July 2, 1989: Birth of Alex Morgan
Alex Morgan was born on July 2, 1989.
1991: Matching a Historic Record
In 1991, Michelle Akers and Carin Jennings set a record for the most goals by a duo in USWNT history.
2006: Call-up to U-20 Team and ACL Injury
At the age of 17, Alex Morgan was called up to the United States under-20 women's national soccer team in 2006 but sustained an ACL injury during a scrimmage.
2007: ACL Injury
Alex Morgan faced a setback in 2007 due to an ACL injury.
2007: Playing for California Golden Bears
Alex Morgan started playing soccer for the California Golden Bears in 2007, leading the team in scoring during her first season. She helped the team reach the NCAA Tournament four years in a row.
April 2008: Return to Soccer After Injury
Alex Morgan returned to playing soccer in April 2008 after recovering from an ACL injury.
April 2008: Joining the US U-20 Women's National Team
In April 2008, Alex Morgan was called up to train with the US U-20 Women's National Team.
2008: Success at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup
Alex Morgan played a crucial role in the US U-20 team's victory at the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, earning recognition for her outstanding performance.
March 2010: Debut for the Senior National Team
Alex Morgan earned her first cap for the senior US Women's National Team in March 2010, marking a significant milestone in her career.
October 2010: First International Goal
In October 2010, Alex Morgan scored her first international goal while playing for the US Women's National Team against China.
2010: End of Collegiate Soccer Career
Alex Morgan finished her collegiate soccer career with the California Golden Bears in 2010.
January 14, 2011: First Overall Pick in WPS Draft
Alex Morgan was selected as the first overall pick by Western New York Flash in the 2011 WPS Draft, marking the first time a Cal player achieved this.
May 1, 2011: First WPS Goal
On May 1, 2011, Alex Morgan scored her first goal for the Western New York Flash during the team's home opener, contributing to a 3-0 victory against the Atlanta Beat.
July 13, 2011: FIFA Women's World Cup Semi-final
On July 13, 2011, Alex Morgan scored her first FIFA Women's World Cup goal in the semi-final match against France, securing a 3-1 victory for the U.S. team.
July 2011: Endorsement Deal with Bank of America
Alex Morgan secured a one-year endorsement deal with Bank of America in July 2011. This partnership marked her growing influence and marketability in the world of sports endorsements.
2011: Drafted into WPS and World Cup Runner-Up
In 2011, Alex Morgan was drafted by Western New York Flash and made her professional debut. She was the youngest player on the national team at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, where the team finished as runner-up.
2011: Idea for "The Kicks" Book Series
In 2011, James Frey, whose daughter was a fan of Alex Morgan, approached the soccer star with the idea of collaborating on a book series. The series, aimed at young girls, would center around soccer and the lessons learned both on and off the field.
2011: Algarve Cup Golden Boot
Alex Morgan was awarded the Algarve Cup's Golden Boot in 2011.
2011: ESPN SportsCenter Commercial
Alex Morgan and teammate Hope Solo co-starred in a television commercial promoting ESPN's SportsCenter in 2011.
January 2012: Brand Ambassador for GNC
In January 2012, Alex Morgan and fellow US Women's National Team player Heather Mitts teamed up with GNC, a prominent health and wellness brand, as brand ambassadors.
March 7, 2012: Algarve Cup Hat-trick
On March 7, 2012, Alex Morgan achieved her first career hat-trick during a 4-0 win against Sweden in the Algarve Cup.
May 2012: Consistent Starter and Goal Scorer
By May 2012, Morgan became a regular starter for the U.S. team and had an impressive run, scoring 14 goals in 12 matches between January and May 2012.
June 2012: ESPY Award Nomination
Alex Morgan's exceptional performance earned her an ESPY Award nomination for Best Breakthrough Athlete in June 2012.
September 2012: Live with Kelly and Michael Appearance
Following the 2012 Summer Olympics, Alex Morgan and teammate Carli Lloyd appeared as guests on Live with Kelly and Michael in September 2012.
2012: Signing with Simon & Schuster
Taking a step further in her literary endeavor, Alex Morgan signed a deal with Simon & Schuster in 2012. The agreement paved the way for the publication of "The Kicks," a four-book series co-created with James Frey, geared towards young readers passionate about soccer and stories of friendship and leadership.
2012: Olympic Games
The epic semi-final of the 2012 Olympic Games took place between the U.S. and Canada.
2012: Olympic Gold and Record-Breaking Year
In 2012, Alex Morgan scored the winning goal against Canada in the Olympic semi-final. She ended the year with 28 goals and 21 assists, matching Mia Hamm's record and becoming the sixth U.S. player to score 20 goals in a single season.
2012: U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year and FIFA Ballon d'Or Nomination
In recognition of her achievements, Alex Morgan was named U.S. Soccer's Female Athlete of the Year in 2012 and was shortlisted for the FIFA Ballon d'Or award.
2012: Olympic Success and Record-Breaking Goal
In 2012, Alex Morgan scored a record-breaking goal in the 123rd minute during the Olympic semi-final against Canada, leading the U.S. to the gold medal match. She ended the tournament with an impressive record of goals and assists.
2012: Key Player in Olympic Group Stage
During the 2012 London Olympics group stage, Alex Morgan played a crucial role, scoring vital goals and providing assists, leading the U.S. team to victory.
2012: Limited Appearances and Impact on Sounders Women
Despite limited appearances due to national team commitments, Alex Morgan made a significant impact during her time with the Seattle Sounders Women in 2012, scoring two goals and providing two assists in limited playtime. Her presence, alongside other national team members, contributed to sold-out crowds and increased attendance for the team.
2012: Joining Seattle Sounders Women
Alex Morgan joined the Seattle Sounders Women in 2012 following the suspension of WPS. This move reunited her with national teammates Hope Solo, Sydney Leroux, Megan Rapinoe, and Stephanie Cox.
2012: Record-Breaking Year
Alex Morgan had an outstanding year in 2012, leading the U.S. team in goals, assists, and points. Her performance placed her among the top players in USWNT history, setting new records for goals and assists within a calendar year.
2012: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Appearance
Alex Morgan appeared in the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, featured in a section composed of athletes in body paint.
January 11, 2013: Joining Portland Thorns FC
Alex Morgan joined Portland Thorns FC on January 11, 2013, as one of three US national team players allocated to the team for the inaugural season of the National Women's Soccer League.
May 14, 2013: Release of "Saving the Team"
On May 14, 2013, Alex Morgan added "published author" to her list of accomplishments with the release of "Saving the Team," the first book in her middle-grade series, "The Kicks." The book, co-created with James Frey, focuses on the themes of friendship, leadership, and soccer, aiming to inspire young girls.
May 2013: "Saving the Team" Book Debut
Alex Morgan's first book in "The Kicks" series, "Saving the Team," debuted at number seven on The New York Times Best Seller list in May 2013.
June 2, 2013: Victory Against Canada
On June 2, 2013, Alex Morgan scored two crucial goals, leading the U.S. to a 3-0 victory over Canada in a highly anticipated match.
August 31, 2013: Winning the NWSL Championship with Portland Thorns FC
Portland Thorns FC, with Alex Morgan on the team, won the inaugural NWSL championship on August 31, 2013, defeating the Western New York Flash 2-0. Morgan provided an assist for the second goal.
September 3, 2013: Release of "Sabotage Season"
Alex Morgan released the second book in her "The Kicks" series, "Sabotage Season," on September 3, 2013. The series, co-created with James Frey, follows the journey of four young girls navigating the world of soccer and friendship.
October 2013: Spokesperson for ChapStick
Expanding her portfolio of endorsements, Alex Morgan signed a two-year partnership with ChapStick in October 2013, becoming the brand's spokesperson.
2013: Joining Portland Thorns FC and NWSL Championship
In 2013, Alex Morgan joined Portland Thorns FC for the inaugural season of the National Women's Soccer League, helping the team secure the league title.
2013: ESPN Documentary Series Feature
Alex Morgan was featured in the ESPN documentary series "Nine for IX" in 2013.
2013: ESPN The Magazine Feature
Alex Morgan was featured in the 2013 music issue of ESPN The Magazine, replicating Katy Perry's One of the Boys album cover.
2014: Playing for Portland Thorns FC
Alex Morgan continued to play for Portland Thorns FC in the 2014 season, scoring six goals in 15 appearances. The team finished third in the regular season and reached the playoffs.
2014: Marriage to Servando Carrasco
Alex Morgan married soccer player Servando Carrasco on New Year's Eve in 2014. They met while playing soccer at UC Berkeley.
2014: Return from Injury and Subsequent Injury
Alex Morgan returned to the USWNT in 2014 after recovering from an injury. However, she suffered another ankle injury during the 2014 CONCACAF Women's Championship, sidelining her for the rest of the tournament.
2014: Amazon Prime Greenlights "The Kicks" Series
In 2014, Amazon Prime gave the green light to "The Kicks," a live-action comedy series based on the books co-created by Alex Morgan and James Frey. Produced by Frey's company, Full Fathom Five, the series brought the story of four young soccer players to the screen.
January 2015: Guest Appearance on Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn
In January 2015, Alex Morgan made a guest appearance on an episode of the Nickelodeon show Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn, titled "The Quad Test."
April 2015: American Idol Appearance
Alex Morgan joined Abby Wambach on American Idol in April 2015 to announce that the show's season winner would record the official song for Fox's coverage of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.
May 2015: ESPN Magazine Cover and Sports Illustrated Appearances
In May 2015, Alex Morgan appeared on the cover of ESPN Magazine with teammates Abby Wambach and Sydney Leroux. She was also featured on multiple covers of Sports Illustrated before and after winning the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.
June 2015: Named Highest Paid American Women's Soccer Player
In June 2015, Time magazine recognized Alex Morgan as the highest-earning American female soccer player. The accolade highlighted her significant income, largely attributed to her numerous endorsement deals with major brands.
July 2015: First Female Athletes on FIFA Video Game Cover
July 2015 marked a significant milestone for women in sports when Alex Morgan, Christine Sinclair, and Steph Catley became the first female athletes to be featured on the cover of EA Sports' FIFA video game, FIFA 16. They appeared on region-specific packaging alongside Lionel Messi. This edition was also the first to include women's international teams.
October 26, 2015: Traded to Orlando Pride
On October 26, 2015, Alex Morgan was traded from Portland Thorns FC to Orlando Pride along with teammate Kaylyn Kyle.
2015: Playing for Portland Thorns FC
Alex Morgan made four appearances for Portland Thorns FC during the 2015 season, limited by national team commitments.
2015: Premiere of "The Kicks" Series
"The Kicks," a live-action series based on Alex Morgan and James Frey's book series, premiered on Amazon Prime in 2015. The show, produced by Full Fathom Five, brought the world of youth soccer and friendship to life, captivating young audiences.
2015: World Cup Victory and Recovery from Injury
Despite suffering a knee injury earlier in the year, Alex Morgan played a key role in the USWNT's victory at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, starting in multiple matches and contributing to the team's success.
2015: Playing for Portland Thorns FC
Alex Morgan continued to play for Portland Thorns FC through the 2015 season.
2015: Return to International Play and Algarve Cup Victory
Upon her return to international competition, Alex Morgan scored a winning goal against England in a friendly match. She was also part of the USWNT that won the Algarve Cup in 2015.
2015: Highest-Paid Female Soccer Player and FIFA Cover Athlete
In 2015, Time ranked Alex Morgan as the highest-paid American female soccer player. She also became one of the first female players, alongside Christine Sinclair and Steph Catley, to be featured on the cover of FIFA video games.
2015: Ticker Tape Parade and White House Honor
Following their victory at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, Alex Morgan and the U.S. women's national team became the first female athletes to be honored with a ticker tape parade in New York City. They received a key to the city from Mayor Bill de Blasio. In October 2015, they were honored by President Barack Obama at the White House.
2015: World Cup Champion
Alex Morgan helped the United States win the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2015 and was named to the tournament's Dream Team.
January 24, 2016: Key to the City of Diamond Bar
Alex Morgan received the key to the city of Diamond Bar, California, her hometown, on January 24, 2016.
March 2016: SheBelieves Cup Golden Boot and MVP
Alex Morgan was awarded both the Golden Boot and MVP at the SheBelieves Cup in March 2016, showcasing her exceptional performance and contribution to the USWNT's victory.
July 12, 2016: Rio Olympics Selection
Alex Morgan was selected to represent the United States at the Rio Olympics on July 12, 2016.
2016: UNICEF Kid Power Champion
In 2016, Alex Morgan joined forces with UNICEF Kid Power as a UNICEF Kid Power Champion. Her dedication to this role reflected her commitment to fighting global malnutrition and promoting awareness among children using the world's first "wearable for good," an innovative creation by UNICEF.
2016: Playing for Orlando Pride
Alex Morgan played for Orlando Pride in 2016.
2016: UEFA Women's Champions League Debut
Alex Morgan made her debut in the UEFA Women's Champions League in 2016 during the quarterfinals.
2016: Debut and Success with Olympique Lyonnais
In 2016, Alex Morgan made her debut for Olympique Lyonnais, contributing significantly to the team's success with notable performances and goals.
January 5, 2017: Signing with Olympique Lyonnais
On January 5, 2017, Alex Morgan joined French champions Olympique Lyonnais on a six-month contract with an option for an additional season, earning a reported $33,000 per month.
June 21, 2017: Return to Orlando Pride
On June 21, 2017, Alex Morgan rejoined the Orlando Pride after recovering from her hamstring injury.
September 2017: Contract Termination with Lyon
Alex Morgan decided to terminate her contract with Olympique Lyonnais in September 2017 and focus on playing for Orlando Pride.
September 2017: Common Goal Campaign
In September 2017, Alex Morgan and teammate Megan Rapinoe became the first two female players in the United States to join the Common Goal campaign, pledging to donate 1% of their salaries to soccer-related charities.
October 1, 2017: Disney World Incident
On October 1, 2017, Alex Morgan was involved in an incident at Epcot in Walt Disney World where she and fellow athletes were described as being "impaired and verbally aggressive" towards staff and guests. They received trespass warnings, banning them from Disney property. Morgan later apologized on Twitter.
2017: Sports Envoys to Tanzania
Alex Morgan and her husband, Servando Carrasco, embarked on a meaningful journey to Tanzania in 2017 as Sports Envoys for the U.S. State Department's Sports Diplomacy Office. During their time in Tanzania, they conducted soccer clinics and made visits to schools, contributing to the Sports Diplomacy mission of promoting gender equality and inclusivity through the power of sports.
2017: Tournament Appearances and Injury
Alex Morgan participated in various tournaments in 2017, including the SheBelieves Cup and the Tournament of Nations. However, she also faced a setback due to a hamstring injury.
2017: Playing for Orlando Pride
Alex Morgan played for Orlando Pride in 2017.
2017: Signing with Lyon and Winning the Treble
Alex Morgan signed with the French team Lyon in 2017 and helped the team achieve a continental European treble, including the UEFA Women's Champions League title.
2017: Champions League Final and Injury
In 2017, Alex Morgan started in the UEFA Women's Champions League Final but was unfortunately subbed off due to a hamstring injury. Despite this setback, Lyon went on to win the championship.
June 2018: Acting Debut and Music Video Appearance
Alex Morgan made her acting debut in June 2018 in the direct-to-video film "Alex & Me," co-starring Siena Agudong. In the same year, she appeared in the music video for Maroon 5's song "Girls Like You," featuring Cardi B, alongside athletes Danica Patrick, Aly Raisman, and Chloe Kim.
June 2018: Release of "Alex & Me" Film
The film "Alex & Me," starring Alex Morgan as a fictionalized version of herself, was released in June 2018. This marked her acting debut.
July 2018: Ambassador for Molecule
Further solidifying her presence in the endorsement arena, Alex Morgan joined the team of ambassadors at Molecule, a company specializing in athlete recovery mattresses and bedding, in July 2018.
2018: U.S. Soccer's Female Player of the Year
In 2018, Alex Morgan had a standout year, scoring 18 goals in 19 appearances for the United States. This impressive performance earned her the title of U.S. Soccer's Female Player of the Year, beating out nominees Julie Ertz, Tobin Heath, Lindsey Horan, and Megan Rapinoe.
2018: Return to Orlando and Season Performance
Alex Morgan returned to Orlando Pride in 2018 for the season, but the team did not perform as well as anticipated.
2018: Co-captain of the USWNT
Alex Morgan became a co-captain of the US Women's National Soccer Team in 2018 alongside Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe.
April 4, 2019: 100th International Goal
On April 4, 2019, during a friendly match against Australia, Alex Morgan achieved a significant milestone by scoring her 100th career international goal.
July 2, 2019: First Woman to Score a World Cup Goal on Her Birthday
In a historic moment, Alex Morgan became the first woman to score a goal in a FIFA Women's World Cup match on her birthday. The goal contributed to the US team's 2-1 victory against England on July 2, 2019, propelling them to the final.
August 2019: Last Appearance for Orlando Pride (before a brief return)
August 2019 marked Alex Morgan's last appearance for Orlando Pride before a brief return, preceding her time with Tottenham Hotspur.
August 2019: Last Appearance (before a longer return)
August 2019 was Alex Morgan's last appearance for Orlando Pride before a longer absence, which included her time with Tottenham Hotspur.
October 2019: Pregnancy Announcement
In October 2019, Alex Morgan and her husband, Servando Carrasco, announced they were expecting their first child, a daughter, in April 2020.
October 2019: Pregnancy Announcement
In October 2019, Alex Morgan announced her pregnancy.
2019: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover
Alex Morgan graced one of the three 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers, alongside Tyra Banks and Camille Kostek.
2019: World Cup Champion and Silver Boot Winner
Alex Morgan helped the United States win the FIFA Women's World Cup again in 2019, earning a spot on the Dream Team and winning the Silver Boot.
2019: International Duty and Injury
Alex Morgan spent a significant part of 2019 on international duty, including the World Cup, and experienced an injury that limited her playing time with Orlando Pride.
2019: Time 100 Most Influential People
Alex Morgan was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2019.
2019: PETA's Most Beautiful Vegan Celebrity
Alex Morgan, a vegan, was named one of PETA's Most Beautiful Vegan Celebrities of 2019 alongside NBA player Kyrie Irving.
2019: Qualification for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup
The US Women's National Team, including Alex Morgan, secured their place in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup after defeating Jamaica 6-0 in the semi-final of the CONCACAF Women's Championship. Morgan played a key role in the victory, scoring two goals during the game.
April 2020: Daughter's Expected Birth
Alex Morgan and Servando Carrasco were expecting their daughter to be born in April 2020.
May 2020: Birth of Child
Alex Morgan welcomed her child in May 2020.
May 2020: Return to Training After Childbirth
In May 2020, Alex Morgan resumed training after giving birth to her child.
September 12, 2020: Signing with Tottenham Hotspur
On September 12, 2020, Alex Morgan joined English FA Women's Super League team Tottenham Hotspur.
November 7, 2020: Tottenham Hotspur Debut
Alex Morgan made her debut for Tottenham Hotspur on November 7, 2020, after a period of recovering from childbirth.
November 27, 2020: National Team Comeback
After a hiatus due to pregnancy and the COVID-19 pandemic, Alex Morgan returned to the US Women's National Team on November 27, 2020. Her comeback game was a friendly against the Netherlands, marking 509 days since her last appearance, which was also against the Netherlands in the 2019 World Cup final.
December 6, 2020: First Goal for Tottenham Hotspur
On December 6, 2020, Alex Morgan scored her first goal for Tottenham Hotspur, securing a victory against Brighton & Hove Albion.
December 2020: Departure from Tottenham Hotspur
In December 2020, Alex Morgan decided to leave Tottenham Hotspur and return to the United States.
2020: End of Co-captaincy for the USWNT
Alex Morgan's tenure as co-captain of the US Women's National Soccer Team came to an end in 2020.
April 21, 2021: Return to Orlando Pride
Alex Morgan rejoined Orlando Pride on April 21, 2021, marking her return to the team after an extended period.
May 2021: NWSL Player of the Month
In May 2021, Alex Morgan was honored as the NWSL Player of the Month, recognizing her outstanding performance.
September 21, 2021: Sixth International Hat-trick
During a friendly match against Paraguay in Cincinnati on September 21, 2021, Alex Morgan showcased her scoring prowess by netting her sixth career international hat-trick for the United States.
December 13, 2021: Signing with San Diego Wave FC
Alex Morgan signed with San Diego Wave FC on December 13, 2021.
June 13, 2022: Return to the US Women's National Team
Alex Morgan rejoined the US Women's National Team on June 13, 2022, after being left off the roster for two friendlies against Australia in November 2021 and the 2022 SheBelieves Cup. Her return came ahead of two significant events: friendlies against Colombia and the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship.
2022: Time 100 Most Influential People
Alex Morgan was recognized again as one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2022.
July 17, 2023: Netflix Documentary Feature
On July 17, 2023, it was announced that Alex Morgan would be featured in an upcoming Netflix documentary about the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team's journey in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. The docuseries is set to premiere in the fall.
2023: Fourth World Cup Appearance
In 2023, Alex Morgan participated in her fourth FIFA Women's World Cup. Although she started in all three group stage matches and the Round of 16 game against Sweden, she didn't score any goals. The US team's loss in a penalty shootout against Sweden marked their earliest exit from the tournament ever.
2024: Called to 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup Squad, Scores Goal in First Game
Following teammate Mia Fishel's ACL injury during training for the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup, Alex Morgan joined the squad as a last-minute replacement. Donning the number 7 jersey instead of her customary 13, Morgan made an immediate impact, scoring a goal in the team's opening match against the Dominican Republic.
2024: Challenge Cup Victory with San Diego Wave
In 2024, Alex Morgan scored the winning goal, leading San Diego Wave to their first-ever Challenge Cup victory.