Alex Morgan Plans to Play in 2020 Summer Olympics After Pregnancy

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

U.S. women's national soccer team co-captain Alex Morgan still plans to join the team in Tokyo, Japan for the 2020 Summer Olympics despite expecting a baby girl in April, the forward told USA Today. 

Morgan, 30, announced in October that she was pregnant with her first child with husband and LA Galaxy midfielder Servando Carrasco. 

With the 2020 Olympic Games scheduled to begin at the end of July,  Morgan said she continues to train and eyes staying in shape for a quick turnaround to join the USWNT in the summer.

"I hope to get back on the field as soon as possible," Morgan said. “After having a healthy baby, I want to get back with the national team and look forward to playing in Tokyo."

If Morgan is part of the USWNT roster following the birth of her baby, 2020 would mark Morgan's third Olympic Games. The U.S. won gold in 2012, and after a disappointing quarterfinal exit in 2016, Morgan wants to get back to that pedestal.

“There are so many women that have been able to come back to their respective sport after pregnancy and continue to have a successful family while playing their sport that they love at the highest level," Morgan said. “I plan to follow in those footsteps and be one of those women who have a family and carry my daughter around as I’m going to the next city to play. And I still want to continue to enjoy the sport that I’ve been playing for all my life."

Morgan's pregnancy announcement came after an eventful summer, winning the Women's World Cup gold with the USWNT and taking home the tournament's Silver Boot. She also suffered a knee injury in September that ended her season with the Orlando Pride in the National Women's Soccer League. 

In addition to participating in the 2020 Olympics, Morgan has also expressed her goal to play in the next Women's World Cup in 2023.