INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF THE GAME

This article was first published on Women Kick Balls.

Alex Morgan made her return home to California after a six-year run with the Orlando Pride as she was traded to San Diego Wave FC with a league-record of $275,000 in allocation money.

With a decorated career at 33-years-old, the notable forward has made huge strides in advancing the growth of the game as a player who has 198 appearances with the US Women’s National Team and is a two-time World Cup Champion.

Morgan was welcomed home with open arms as she created a new league record during the home opener for the Wave. On May 7, San Diego defeated NJ/NY Gotham FC 4-0. Not only was a clean-sheet win an impressive start during their inaugural season, but Morgan scored all four goals and became the third player in NWSL history to achieve the milestone.

At every home for the Wave, a pink banner that reads, ‘Alex’s Homebreak - The Future Wave Makers #13’ is proudly displayed in the stands.

The banner sits behind a group of fans that have been pre-selected by Morgan, who purchases 20 tickets for a youth girls soccer team across San Diego.

Every home game, the Homebreak crowd features a different group with a focus on underserved areas, travel teams, and school sports programs.

“Every time I look at that banner and see the girls cheer in my homebreak, it always feel like home,” said Morgan.

Although the Wave lost 1-0 against the Orlando Pride at home, a group from Hoover High School cheered loud and proud for their hometown hero as some students experienced their first-ever NWSL game.

“It means a lot to me because I was able to come with my teammates and my coaches and they really are like my family. It makes me feel really happy to know that even players like Alex Morgan really do make us feel like we have a big future ahead of us and to know that she is in the same place that we are. I feel like I can look forward to my future because I have an opportunity to do something with my life.” — Marisol T. | Homebreak Crowd Recipient

In total, Morgan donated 170 tickets to girls in San Diego and 40 tickets to youth soccer coaches. At the end of the season, groups nominated one player as a Leader of the Year nominee and at the final regular season game, Morgan named one player to receive the Leader of the Year award.

Local groups throughout the season included Chula Vista FC, Soccer Club of Oceanside, Mira Monte Girls Soccer, Lincoln High School, Hoover High School, and the San Marcos Boys and Girls Club.