Alex Morgan Interview on Women's Soccer United

Women's Soccer United caught up with US International and WPS star Alex Morgan, the scorer of the opening goal in the women's World Cup Final 2011 against Japan. Alex has been making a huge impact in the women's soccer World, currently playing for WPS team WNY Flash, who have just won the regular season title and are in the WPS Championship Final 2011. At an International level the USA’s youngest player has shown an ability to come off the bench and make an immediate impact, scoring crucial match winning goals.

WSU: The USWNT had a fantastic women’s World Cup, only to be denied in the Final by a heart-breaking penalty loss against Japan. You and the US team showed tremendous fight, teamwork and passion throughout the tournament and were always entertaining to watch. On a personal level, what did it feel like to play in a World Cup Final and talk us through your brilliant opening goal and the feelings when you watched the ball hit the back of the net?

ALEX MORGAN: This was definitely the most emotional few weeks I have ever endured.
Personally, the World Cup is something I used to dream of, and now just coming back from the my first World Cup, I have had some time to reflect and smile at the journey I took with this team. Working through each game of the World Cup and reaching that final, I was ready and fully prepared physically and mentally. I had been waiting for the moment to play in a World Cup final since I was 5 years old. I think my reaction from the goal shows how much love I have for the game, it was the first time I actually wanted to cry from being so happy on the pitch. I will forever smile when I look back at that moment

WSU: What has life has been like since returning from the women’s World Cup, how has the support been on the teams return to home soil?

ALEX MORGAN: The support has been overwhelming compared to what I expected after a loss in the World Cup final to Japan. I had no idea what to expect from our
country after that loss, but it definitely makes me feel proud to show off my silver medal with the country standing behind us. Since coming back, we have definitely gained more attention, and just seeing the numbers WPS games are pulling in is an example of the support we have gotten since the World Cup.

WSU: How surprised were you at the standard of soccer from all of the teams involved at this year’s women’s World Cup, who impressed you the most?

ALEX MORGAN: The standard of Female Soccer around the world has definitely raised, but I'm not surprised with it. I've watched and even studied (in college) the
development of female soccer since Title IX, and its only going to keep growing with more financial focus put into Women's National programs.

Japan is a classic example of a country who has put more focus in their women's program and got direct results. France was another country I was very impressed with.

WSU: Your first WPS match since returning from the World Cup playing for WNY Flash against magicJack was a record breaking sell out crowd of over 15,000! Did you ever imagine you would play in front of a league crowd of that size and do you think these large attendances will continue?

ALEX MORGAN: I feel honored to be a part of WPS history with the largest crowd attendance at a league game, and I'm hoping we will see similar numbers in the WPS final in Rochester, August 27th.

WSU: How are you finding all the media appearances? You have appeared on top shows like NBC’s Today show, SportsCenter, HBO’s Entourage premiere. What has been the most entertaining appearance for you so far?

ALEX MORGAN: I have been very busy the last couple weeks since the World Cup, but it's great to see Women's soccer gain so much deserved attention. All media appearances have been pretty fun, but two I really enjoyed were the Entourage Premiere and the Manchester United dinner/fashion show.

Alex Morgan Photos: Find more videos like this on Womens Soccer United

WSU: Thank you Alex, for taking time to answer our questions. We wish you continued luck and success in your career.

Watch Alex Morgan and WNY Flash in action on Saturday 27th August for the WPS Championship match (Live on FOXSoccer).

You can also watch Alex Morgan in International duty, USWNT will play Canada in two International friendlies in September.