Alex Morgan Has The Skill And Charisma To Continue Landon Donovan's Legacy as the Face of US Soccer

In just a few days, U.S. soccer fans will witness the end of an era. This Friday, Landon Donovan will step onto the field as a national team player for the very last time, thus concluding one of, if not, the most illustrious career in American soccer history.

For the casual viewer, the friendly match against Ecuador will simply be the inevitable fruition of Donovan’s retirement announcement back in August, and possibly a moment to reflect on his many record-breaking accomplishments. However, the fanatics, those of us who annoy our wives and girlfriends because our attention is constantly glued to the beautiful game, will be looking to the future of the sport and we’ll be asking ourselves one question: who will be the new face of U.S. soccer?

Most of us, in response, more than likely conjured up the same three names–Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, and Tim Howard. But why are these particular players the first that we think of? What makes this trio worthy of the title?

For starters, all three have had successful careers with some of the best clubs in Europe, and in the process, cemented the status of American footballers as a real threat at the national and international level. Furthermore, each one has earned a starting position with their respective club, has been an integral part of the Men’s National Team, and they have all procured the respect they deserve from their country.

In fact, President Obama took the time to call Dempsey and Howard to congratulate them on a job well done after their Round of 16 exit from the 2014 World Cup. During that same phone conversation, our President, a fan and someone “who’s first sport was soccer”, even speculated on the goalkeeper’s possible increase in popularity once they returned from Brazil.

With all of the extra attention these phenomenal players have recently attained, one could easily surmise that either of them will take hold of the reigns after Donovan’s departure. On the other hand, there may be one person that many people have overlooked; someone who’s speed, agility, finesse, skill with the ball, and goal-scoring prowess has lead teams to great success.

Alex Morgan, the stunning striker for the Portland Thorns and the U.S. Women’s National Team, should deservedly be named the new face of U.S. soccer.

But why Morgan? Well, the answer is simple. She has achieved a high level of fame and success in a short amount of time. She has a dominating presence on the field – and off the field – sponsors such as Chapstick, Nike, and Coca-Cola have helped her become a household name and a role model for many young, aspiring athletes.

Several months ago, Sports Illustrated capitalized on her growing fame when they released their annual and highly popular Swimsuit Issue. The magazine, which hit newsstands this past February, featured some of the most relevant supermodels of the year, plus three of the most recognized female athletes. Alex Morgan was among them, and it wasn’t the first time she had donned a bathing suit in front of the cameras. Morgan graced the pages of SI for the first time in 2012, wearing a hand-painted, multi-colored swimsuit, thereby solidifying her place as soccer’s best new up and coming star.

With all of her commercial success, critics might be quick to judge her as just another beautiful face with nothing real to show for it, but the truth of the matter is that her true talent lies out on the pitch where the only apparel she needs is a pair of cleats, a pink headband, and a jersey painted with her lucky number: 13.

Morgan’s professional career has been glittered with goals, personal achievements, and a number of team accolades, including a second place finish at the 2011 Women’s World Cup, a 2012 Olympic Gold Medal, and the first NWSL Championship with the Portland Thorns. She was also named the 2012 Female Athlete of the Year and earned a spot on the USWNT’s all-time best XI squad.

All of this was earned before the tender age of 25, a feat that only the best players of the game can achieve.

Most recently, the left-footed striker hit the back of the net twice (with her right foot, surprisingly) and provided three assists during the 8-0 thrashing of Mexico at Rio Tinto Stadium in Utah. Five days later, Morgan added another goal and another win against Mexico, bringing her tally to three goals plus three assists in only two games.

Once again, only the best can score goals and create them in such a consistent manner.

Alex Morgan’s success as a footballer alone merits her a place among the greatest, but the addition of the her popularity and commercial status gives her an edge that no other American soccer star has.

The beautifully talented Alexandra Morgan, our lucky number 13, has absolutely everything she needs to push U.S. soccer into the limelight because, after all, only she has the skill and the charisma to continue the legacy that Landon Donovan leaves behind.