As Orlando Pride continues to make history, so too does it build for the future.
Star striker Alex Morgan announced her return to the Pride next year, forgoing an opportunity to chase back-to-back Champions League titles in France to hunt for a new trophy in Orlando.
“From a soccer perspective, I felt fulfilled in why I went to Lyon. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have played in Lyon and I will forever be grateful for this experience,” Morgan said of her six-month stint with French side Olympique Lyonnais. “But coming back here I knew the amazing Club that supported me through the whole process.
“I agreed with Lyon to terminate my contract and continue with Orlando Pride moving forward.”
Of course, living with her husband, City midfielder Servando Carrasco, and their dog Blue is as much a reason as any. But for the ultra-competitive, winning is everything. And the Pride are doing a lot of winning.
“I feel like the present of this Club and the future of this Club is going above-and-beyond and we’re going to do incredible things,” Morgan added “I’m really happy here. This is my home.”
After a turbulent early going, the Pride are rolling through the NWSL. They’ve picked up five straight wins and have climbed into a playoff spot.
“We’re on the up,” Morgan said. “The momentum is in our favor.”
Since her return from Europe, Morgan has fit in seamlessly into the Tom Sermanni’s lineup. Playing in France - she said her passing and the way she makes her runs have improved tremendously - has Morgan in the best form of her career. And considering the lethal combination with Marta and the rest of Orlando’s loaded roster, the Pride look like one of the most dangerous teams in the world.
“Teams are putting in extra preparation to play against us,” Sermanni said. “We’re becoming the team that other teams want to play against.”
Try as they might, no one’s been able to slow down Morgan and Marta. Either of them has had a hand in 12 of Orlando’s last 17 goals and, together, they’re easily the most threatening duo in the league.
“That’s the secret sauce,” Morgan said. “It’s happening right now. [Marta]’s a big team player, I feel like I am as well. We both just want to see the team succeed.”
And succeed they have. What once looked like a season on the brink looks now like a chance for a fairytale finish.
Making the playoffs is the goal – you can hardly blame a nascent Club for that – but circled on everyone’s calendar is the NWSL Championship match on October 14. With or without the Pride, it will be hosted at Orlando City Stadium.
“We want to be there on the field, not in the stands. That’s in the back of our minds,” Morgan said. “We’re feeling really good.”
There’s three games left – two of them against the top two teams in the league – and in a packed table, only a few points separate postseason from offseason. And there’s only six weeks until the Final.
Will the Pride be there?
“That’s the day,” Morgan said. “I’m betting on it.”
She’ll be here to start 2018, too. You can bet on that.
