ESPN Names Alex Morgan the 'Key Star' of U.S. World Cup Squad

In its preview of all 32 teams in the Women’s World Cup, ESPN included a category of “Key Star” for each squad. For the talented American team, ESPN put that spotlight on former Cal star Alex Morgan, who will begin play in her fourth World Cup when the Americans play their opening game on Friday against Vietnam (9 p.m. Eastern time, 6 p.m. Pacific time).

The preview not only named Morgan the team's "Key Star" but went so far as to say that Morgan is capable of carrying the U.S. team on her back.

The opening game of the Women’s World Cup, which is being held in Australia and New Zealand, will be Thursday.

Here is what ESPN said about the United States’ “Key star”

Key star: Alex Morgan

She's the other face of the USWNT with now-substitute Megan Rapinoe, and just like Rapinoe, this will be Morgan's fourth World Cup -- but the difference is that Morgan is expected to play a huge role in this tournament. She'll be leading the line for the USWNT as a starter in New Zealand and Australia, and Andonovski didn't even put a backup for Morgan on the USWNT roster. Morgan up top is Plan A and she needs to step up as striker because the drop-off to the team's other options is considerable.

There’s a lot of pressure on Morgan, who is considered the primary goal-scorer for this American squad. If she does not score goals or create opportunities, the U.S. will be hard-pressed to win its third straight World Cup.

The pressure on the 34-year-old Morgan is indicated in the ESPN assessment of the Americans’ chances of winning it all. Specifically note that the assessment suggests Morgan “is in a position to carry this team on her back.”

Winning three World Cups in a row is unheard of, and the USWNT is missing a lot of good players, but the U.S. still have plenty of good players. With Macario and Swanson out, Smith has stepped up and could end up the USWNT's star of the tournament. World Cup first-timers Lynn Williams and Trinity Rodman are now in contention to start because of injuries, but they offer varied skill sets in scoring, creating chances and pressing, meaning they too could enjoy breakout tournaments. Morgan has no direct backups on the roster, which may be concerning -- but as long as Morgan plays, she's in a position to carry this team on her back.

The USWNT's strength is its depth and sometimes the team that is the deepest -- not the best -- wins the World Cup. Even if the USWNT's ceiling isn't as high as it would be with a fully healthy squad, the USWNT is still filled with world-class players who should be considered favourites this summer. That talent along with the USA's signature never-say-die mentality could be enough for a three-peat.

-- Caitlin Murray

Serious business only 🤪 pic.twitter.com/Q5k8wHyBNE
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) July 16, 2023

Cover photo of Alex Morgan by Ray Acevedo, USA TODAY Sports

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