Alex Morgan stepped to the podium and paused as the crowd at Snapdragon Stadium chanted her name.

Moments earlier, a video had played featuring many of her former teammates, San Diego FC head coach Mikey Varas, and her husband Servando Carrasco with their children, congratulating her on a storied career.

The San Diego Wave players looked on as Morgan spoke about being with the club since its first year, witnessing its growth. Her retirement last summer elicited tributes throughout the sport, none bigger than Sunday’s jersey retirement at Snapdragon Stadium. Morgan has been close with the club all year — earlier this spring, the Wave announced Morgan had joined management as a minority investor.

“I am proud now to be watching as a fan,” Morgan said. “I will be your biggest fan…and owner.

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