REDMOND, Wash. — Sorry fellas, she’s taken.
Women’s World Cup breakout star Alex Morgan is currently dating Sounders FC midfielder Servando Carrasco. The Seattle rookie took a moment after Monday’s training session at Microsoft's headquarters to share how proud he is of Morgan, who triggered the US national team’s attack with a goal and assist in Sunday’s World Cup final.
“First things first: They have nothing to be ashamed of,” said Carrasco, who met Morgan while they played college soccer at the University of California. “They played their hearts out every time they stepped on the pitch and that’s all you can ask for, really.”
The pair spoke with one another Sunday after the heartbreaking World Cup final, which saw Japan best the United States in a penalty shootout. While they didn’t talk too much about the game, Carrasco was happy to support Morgan in the aftermath of the difficult loss.
Carrasco, who watched the game with his roommates and neighbors, said he went crazy when Morgan scored the first goal of the match.
“It was a huge game for her,” Carrasco said. “Obviously, she was disappointed. They have worked extremely hard to be where they are today.”
Morgan looks to be the future face of the women’s national team. US head coach Pia Sundhage pointed in Morgan’s direction after Lauren Cheney’s ankle injury forced her out of the match at halftime. Then, after scoring the USA's first goal, Morgan set up Abby Wambach’s goal in the first overtime period.
Carrasco praised the entire team for bringing more attention to the sport of women’s soccer.
“Time and time again, they showed how much heart they have,” Carrasco said. “They were resilient every time they stepped on the field, especially against Brazil, coming back in such a dramatic game. Those types of game, people want to watch.”
At just 22 years of age, Morgan should be a national-team fixture for years to come. That’s just fine with Carrasco, even if he does receive a little good-natured ribbing from his teammate. Carrasco recalled pulling into the team’s LA hotel and having the whole team whoop at a Sports Authority billboard featuring Morgan.
“The following day, we had our team walk and of course, [assistant coach Brian] Schmetzer took us in that direction,” Carrasco recalled.
Andrew Winner covers the Seattle Sounders for MLSsoccer.com. Follow him on Twitter @AndrewWinnerMLS
