Orlando Pride’s Alex Morgan Wins U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year

The Orlando Pride’s star forward added another award to her resume by winning the United States Soccer Female Player of the Year. This is the second time that Morgan won the award, six years after winning it in 2012 when she led the Yanks to a gold medal in the London Olympics. The other nominees were Julie Ertz, Lindsey Horan, Tobin Heath, and Megan Rapinoe. 

“It was an incredible year for the U.S. Women’s National Team, going undefeated, and there were a lot of players that stepped up and played essential parts in leading this team,” said Morgan. “Of the five players nominated, any one was deserving, so I am incredibly honored to have won this award.”

“After having a club season with Orlando that I didn’t anticipate, I’m just happy that I was able to contribute in this way to the National Team, especially leading into a World Cup year, as it was important for the whole team to gain confidence and momentum,” added Morgan. “To be named captain with Megan and Carli, I felt I was challenged to succeed in a really positive way and was comfortable growing into this larger role with the team. I’m also pleased that I was able to improve and evolve in my play along the way. There’s a good energy to the team right now and we’re all really looking forward to getting started next year.”

Morgan played in 19 games in 2018 and finished with 18 goals and three assists. The 29-year-old scored goals against Denmark, Mexico, China, Japan, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Canada, and Scotland. Her 1,500 minutes and 18 goals were the most among Americans this year, and she helped the U.S. to an undefeated year, with an 18-0-2 record, and a spot in France for the Women’s World Cup. 

The striker won the Golden Boot in Concacaf World Cup qualifying with seven goals in five matches. She also moved into third in the USWNT all-time multiple-goal games and sits at 98 international goals all-time.