Forward Alex Morgan played 15 minutes and had a penalty kick saved on Sunday for San Diego Wave FC in her final match as a professional — a 4-1 loss to the North Carolina Courage.
Morgan, a two-time World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist, announced Thursday that the Wave’s NWSL home game at Snapdragon Stadium against the Courage would be the last of her nearly 14-year career at the international and professional level.
On Sunday, the 35-year-old was denied a dream exit by North Carolina Courage goalkeeper Casey Murphy, one of Morgan’s teammates with the United States national team in recent years. Morgan stepped up to the spot after the Wave earned a penalty in the 10th minute, but her left-footed effort was saved by Murphy.
San Diego scored an equalizer three minutes later, and Morgan began leaving the field with just over 13 minutes on the clock, a nod to the No. 13 that she famously wore for club and country over the past decade-plus.
She removed her cleats at midfield and tearfully waved and blew kisses to the crowd — with fans chanting her name — as players from both teams surrounded her and applauded. She was replaced by forward Amirah Ali.
“What a ride it’s been. I want to thank my teammates. You have constantly challenged me every day and made…
