In an announcement every bit as surprising as white lines on a soccer field, Alex Morgan was named U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year on Monday.
No, it cannot register a smidge of shock that the U.S. scoring leader this year (28 goals, third-best all time behind Abby Wambach’s 31 in 2004 and Michelle Akers’ 39 in 1991) and assist leader (19 assists in 2012, fourth best all-time) would gain the honor.
The award is decided through voting split evenly between fans (50 percent) and votes compiled from national media and U.S. Soccer representatives (50 percent).
Enjoy a look back at her year while considering that Morgan is still just 23 years old.
That is to say, this fantastic U.S. striker probably has a couple more of these in her future:
.
-
AP
Among the many assets in Jurgen Klinsmann’s portfolio, few are trending down.
-
Get to your DVRs as soon as possible, because that Italy-Japan match was a classic
Jun 19, 2013, 8:44 PM EDT
Reuters
Confederations Cup completely worth it when it provides matches like these.
-
Stock Rising: United States men whose values are rising out of Salt Lake
Jun 19, 2013, 7:35 PM EDT
Getty Images
There’re no shortage of players to praise after the U.S. completes a nine-out-of-nine run.
-
Most U.S. players were still in the locker room an hour after final whistle Tuesday … watching a basketball game. Hmmm.
-
Even while struggling, LA’s still the standard, but can they turn things around enough to keep Portland from the top of the West.
-
Goal, assist from Neymar give Brazil win, prolong Mexico’s woes
Jun 19, 2013, 5:25 PM EDT
Neymar’s show compounded problems for CONCACAF’s champions.
-
Getty Images
The 42-year-old American revealed he is taking coaching courses to prepare for whenever his career is over.
-
Getty Images
Some of those old issues of communication and understanding between Jones and Michael Bradley were on display once again in Utah:
-
Montréal can open a gap atop the East with a win tonight. If Houston springs the upset, they’ll be within one point of the conference leaders.
-
Pepe Reina wants to see out his contract at Liverpool…for now
Jun 19, 2013, 2:44 PM EDT
Getty Images
He didn’t exactly say much, but Pepe Reina’s club is Liverpool – at least, right now.
-
USA can theoretically clinch a World Cup berth in their next match
Jun 19, 2013, 1:24 PM EDT
Getty Images
It’s a bit of a longshot, but the United States has a mathematical chance of securing qualification for Brazil in the next round of play.
-
Graham Zusi keeps making it harder for Landon Donovan to get back into U.S. national team
Jun 19, 2013, 12:48 PM EDT
The Sporting Kansas City man had a lot to say about last night’s breakout (finally!) in the second half vs. Honduras:
-
De Gea message to Thiago on signed match ball sparks rumor flurry
Jun 19, 2013, 12:04 PM EDT
Getty Images
Cameras caught a message from Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, could it foreshadow a move?
-
Reuters
Fabio Capello is the latest manager to say “no” to the defending Ligue 1 champions.
-
Getty Images
Liverpool take a huge net loss on the 24-year-old while West Ham set their transfer fee record.
-
Tragedy struck Chivas USA’s youth squad Monday night.
-
Reuters
At the call of fans and media alike, the FA Cup final at Wembley will return to its post-league date.
-
Getty Images
The United States had the perfect lineup to slowly whittle away at the Honduras defense before it finally broke.
-
Getty Images
The 24-year-old American has found a new team after spending 5 seasons at Villa Park.
-
The Premier League has released its fixture list for the 2013/2014 season in its entirety. Find out the opening fixtures plus your favorite team’s derby here!
-
Play
Video: Police clash with protesters in Brazil
-
Play
Video: Highlights: Sounders win in final minutes
-
Play
Video: Highlights: Revolution dismantle Galaxy
-
Play
Video: What does New York FC have to do to succeed?
-
Play
Video: The Hype: Bending the screen like Beckham
-
Play
Video: Galaxy's Rogers talks about coming out to the public
