Alex Morgan takes soccer world by surprise when she announces retirement; US Women National Team looks for positive vibes during friendlies

Happy Friday! Men’s soccer’s international break has officially kicked off and promises some thrilling matches this weekend; plus this Sunday marks Alex Morgan’s final match after 14-years as an outstanding soccer player! I’m Pardeep Cattry here before we jump in with all this weekend’s action!
Getty Images announces Alex Morgan Retirement
On Thursday, two-time Women’s World Cup champion Alex Morgan announced both her retirement from soccer as well as her pregnancy with their second child. Morgan announced her decision at the beginning of 2018, and will make the last game of her 14 year career on Sunday when the San Diego Wave hosts North Carolina Courage in NWSL regular season action. Morgan will retire as one of the game’s greatest talents with two World Cup victories and gold and bronze Olympic medals as well as WPS Championship, NWSL Championship Shield wins as well as being selected to the UEFA Women’s Champions League team among her many accolades and personal citations. Morgan was considered one of the U.S. women’s national team’s brightest prospects upon starting professional soccer career in 2010, and she made good on that promise, becoming one of the face of USWNT with over 200 caps earned and scoring 123 goals – fifth all-time scorer! Most significantly though, Morgan stands as an agent of change who leaves an everlasting mark on soccer as she leaves an imprint that remains strong today. Morgan earned her USWNT debut in 2010 and then began club play in the now defunct WPS in 2011 at a time when women’s soccer lacked serious investment, broadcast slots, or audiences. Since then, women’s sports has experienced unparalleled growth – something Morgan helped cultivate while being witness to it through Charlie herself.
Charlie recently came up to me and told me she wants to become a soccer player when she grows up – this made me immensely proud – not because I wish for it myself but rather because now there is an open pathway leading there from an early age.” Morgan: We’re making lives better every day and the impact we are having on future generations cannot be undone – I take immense satisfaction in being part of something so great and moving the game forward so it ends in my favour, leaving behind something I am truly happy and proud about. “Morgan stands out not just with her athletic credentials but also through the battles she won off-field. She joined five USWNT players in filing an official complaint against U.S. Soccer in 2016, eventually serving as lead plaintiff of their equal pay lawsuit in 2019, successfully reaching an historic agreement that ended decades of litigation over equal pay issues with US Soccer in 2022 and concluding their lawsuit in the process. Morgan played an instrumental role in helping establish the first anti-harassment policy for the NWSL, acting as an ally to former Portland Thorns teammate Mana Shim, as she and Sinead Farrelly led efforts against systemic abuse of players within the league. World Cup Winner Morgan spearheaded an unprecedented effort among 240 NWSL players who successfully asked their league to implement anti-harassment protocol by 2021, prompting dramatic change within the league, including in its new collective bargaining agreement ratified last month. Morgan will play her final match Sunday at 8 PM ET; you can stream it via Paramount+ for streaming! Paramount is sponsoring this game!
Paramount Midfield Link Play Brings Positive Vibes for USMNT On Saturday, U.S. men’s national team players return to action when they face Canada in a friendly. It marks their first game since their group stage exit from Copa America forced a review of how best to prepare for 2026 World Cup on home turf.
Interim Head Coach Mike Varas will select an initial roster composed of mostly players who participated in competition, although midfielder Gio Reyna had to withdraw due to being diagnosed with left groin strain and hasn’t trained. Cade Cowell will become one of seven fresh faces on Varas’ roster as part of his efforts to expand player talent pool slightly. Defender Mark McKenzie was one of a group of unheralded substitutes throughout Copa America run, yet spoke out this week to Morning Footy that this month’s friendlies provide the ideal chance to return to basics. “Everyone was disappointed about our performances there and that disappointment continues into today with two games against Scotland in friendly internationals scheduled.” McKenzie added. “These matches allow us to get back on the pitch where things should belong – for me personally that means going back to basics in terms of playing style”. “… We stepped back into camp with an understanding that its goal was for us all to show who we are, show what qualities we possess and demonstrate how we may have fallen short in playing at our desired levels – now is the time to rise above. Saturday’s match against Canada provides the United Soccer Men’s National Team an ideal chance to start fresh. Jesse Marsch and Canada set new standards following their fourth place finish at Copa America; thus providing an effective benchmark against which our USMNT can measure themselves both experienced players and newcomers.” The USMNT core have experienced Canada from both ends, losing an important World Cup qualifying game against their neighbors but defeating them convincingly in the 2023 Concacaf Nations League Final to assert regional supremacy, providing ample proving grounds for newcomers entering camp as a result of Copa America participation and Copa America wake-up calls – leaving Varas with tough decisions to make when choosing his starting eleven. Goalkeeper Matt Turner may find his starting place threatened, having struggled for playing time since leaving Major League Soccer (MLS) for Premier League (PL). Ethan Horvath may vie for it with him while Olympics goalkeeper Patrick Schulte could show that competition for his starting job could already begin in 2026.
On defense, USMNT may focus on replacing 36-year-old center back Tim Ream as soon as possible and adding depth at right back following Sergino Dest’s injury. McKenzie could fill Ream’s role, while 25-year-old Marlon Fossey — who recently returned from five years playing youth international for Jamaica — could provide back up for Dest. Top Stories Alex Morgan Retires: Tributes have poured in for Alex Morgan as she leaves an indelible mark on women’s soccer with her 14 year career coming to an end. [NEW] Ballon d’Or Nominees: Nominations for both the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or awards were revealed today; rewarding young players while providing hope that one or both awards may go to first time winners!
Magic Johnson joins NWSL ownership group: Magic Johnson joined the ownership group of Washington Spirit in NWSL on Friday, becoming yet another celebrity owner amid increased investment into women’s soccer. Saudi Arabia Eyeing Mateo Kovacic?: James Benge reports Cristiano Ronaldo pushing Al Nassr for Manchester City Mateo Kovacic transfer could signal big spending spree from Saudi Pro League. Finally: Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 900th Career Goal In Official Matches On Thursday against Croatia, becoming first man ever to score this amount during his official matches career goal scoring feat! 900 For Ronaldo! On Thursday during Portugal’s victory against Croatia; becoming first ever man ever! 900 for Ronaldo: Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 900th career goal ever in official matches when scoring Portugal victory secured all 3 points against Croatia; becoming first ever player ever! 900 for Ronaldo! On Thursday Ronaldo scored his 900th career goal scored his 900th goal scored his 900th goal marking official matches scoring an astonishing scorer of 182; becomesr to sign him; suggesting an imminent spending spree by them! Cristiano scored an astounding 182-goals against Croatia scoring an astounding 182-goals by scoring 18-1 defeat of Croatia Cristiano scored his 900th goal scored an official match scoring his ninth! On Thursday in Portugal’s victory and became first man ever player ever donning 181. Ronaldo hit 910… Becomes 1300th career goal scored, becoming only 19 goals as official matches scored his 900 career score; becoming official score to hit that amount during that match- scoring another incredible player to score over 20; scoring all total. Ronaldo finally hit number as Portugal won 9000+ against Croatia being victorious 666! Ronaldo scored his 997 career scored 1300! scored. 9000th with Portugal 1! Ronaldo scored off Croatia won Portugal 1-5 scoring 4 499 on his official match which set against Croatia being only 21 game 289 making history! In official Match!. Score! Ill which meant this time… I scored 100 after scoring another one!. (999 was scored the last match! score on Friday 875!!; his 999! 9 (before scoring that feat was by way. Before scoring over Croatia! scoring 1.
San Marino History: San Marino made history Thursday by beating Lichtenstein for their first competitive victory since 1997 and first-ever competitive victory ever. England Post-Southgate: Before facing Ireland this Saturday, here’s an insight into England’s coaching search as Gareth Southgate prepares to step aside and the FA seek a successor. Croix Bethune Injury: Washington Spirit rookie Croix Bethune will miss the remainder of NWSL Season due to her torn meniscus injury sustained earlier.
Cole Palmer Is Snubbed From Conference League Squad: To manage Cole Palmer’s minutes more effectively, Chelsea decided not to include him in their UEFA Conference League squad this season. Here is an analysis of Major League Soccer (MLS). From David Beckham & Landon Donovan’s LA Galaxy to D.C United during its early days here is an examination of Major League Soccer (MLS). Marsch Joins Call It What You Want Show Jesse Marsch stops by Call It What You Want show to discuss Canada’s drone spy scandal while talking USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino as well as making predictions ahead of Saturday’s matchup between Germany vs Belgium (!). Jesse Marsch returns on Call It What You Want show to talk Canada’s drone spy scandal as well as USMNT coach hire of Mauricio Pochettino as his prediction ahead of Saturday match up between teams (#).
Back Line Best Bets (UEFA Nations League: France vs Italy, 2:45 p.m. ET THE PICK: Under 2.5 goals (-135)There have only been more than 2.5 goals scored against Italy over its past nine games; none in any of their last three. Since France’s 2-1 loss against Spain in Euro 2024 semifinals, only once had France gone over in their previous six matches (excluding an 14-0 victory against Gibraltar last year ). Italy, on the other hand, have always prioritized defense over attack when facing France. At Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe’s inconsistent attack combined with his slower than anticipated start indicates the under is the best bet here. Don’t miss out – check CBSSports.com’s betting homepage for more picks, predictions, expert tips, and betting news updates! What to Expect on CBS Sports Golazo Network Morning Footy (Wednesday-Thursday 8-10 am ET): Hosts Susannah Collins, Charlie Davies, Nico Cantor and Alexis Guerreros will help fans kickstart their morning on the network’s flagship morning show with highlights, interviews and the most compelling soccer narratives of the day. Morning Footy can now also be found as a podcast so that you don’t miss an episode! Attacking Third (Monday and Thursday): We now feature live studio shows of Attacking Third for women’s soccer on Monday and Thursday from our leading women’s soccer podcast and social brand Attacking Third! With NWSL back this season and coverage being stronger than ever from us as analysts breakdown USWNT, NWSL, European domestic season matches as well as Wednesday livestreams starting at 11 am ET each Wednesday live stream is sure not to miss!
Call it Whatever (Monday night): A weekly podcast hosted by Jimmy Conrad and Charlie Davies that covers everything relating to USMNT and American soccer culture in general. Tune in live each Monday morning on YouTube at 11 am ET to watch it! Scoreline (Daily): Scoreline is the latest place for fans of global football to catch all of the biggest news and results impacting global soccer, match highlights from top competitions, and all the can’t-miss goals from today’s action – beginning Thursday through the seven days a week coverage on CBS Sports Golazo Network – free 24/7 channel dedicated solely to offering unparalleled coverage of international competitions that you can stream for free via CBS Sports app, Pluto TV or Paramount+.

There is something very satisfying in watching someone masterfully navigate a difficult space with ease and finesse – no wonder so many love it so much!! But here’s another important reminder – when does life end for those left behind?