Alex Morgan on USWNT’s World Cup Exit: ‘It Hurts And It Will for a While’

United State Women’s National Team forward Alex Morgan posted a lengthy message to Instagram on Thursday following her team’s dramatic World Cup loss in the Round of 16 on Sunday. 

“It hurts and it will for a while but this wound will eventually turn into a scar,” she wrote. “Another reminder that we compete because we want to be the best, measure ourselves against the top in the world. This time, we came up short. We know that and I own that.

“I’m so proud of the effort, the fight, and belief of this group,” she continued. “I stand by each and every one of these players and reaffirm that we poured everything into this World Cup. This game shows you the highest of highs and lowest of lows. It can be brutal but this wound will not only heal but will serve as a defining moment in the history of USWNT - one we will grow and be stronger for.”

The USWNT was the reigning World Cup champion but struggled to start the tournament and faced significant criticism for its play from some in soccer media, most notably former star player Carli Lloyd, who said their performance against Portugal to advance to the Round of 16 was “lackluster” and “uninspiring.” It all came to an end Sunday when the team fell to Sweden after penalty kicks and it appears Morgan needed some time after the heartbreaker to fully address her team’s loss and what it means to her. 

“To carry scars is not a sign of weakness but a reminder that you fell and found a way to get back up,” she wrote. “There is a lot of work to do and I don’t expect it to be easy but nothing worth fighting for ever is.”