Alex Morgan explains why she wants to play soccer in France
U.S. forward Alex Morgan will open the year with French team Olympique Lyonnaise, the Orlando Pride announced Tuesday.
She will return to the Pride in May when Lyon's season is finished.
“My decision to play for Lyon was not an easy one, but it is an important step in my evolution as a player,” Morgan said in a release on the Pride web site. “I want to thank the Pride and our incredible fans and community for their continued support. I look forward to returning home this summer as a better player and leader to join my teammates at our new stadium as we compete for a NWSL Championship.”
Morgan has scored 73 goals in 120 appearances for the U.S. national team. She has 17 goals in 21 games this year after battling injuries in 2014-15.
In a piece for The Players Tribune, Morgan explains why she wants to play for Lyon.
"First, Lyon is a team that’s world-renowned for excellence, with a roster that includes many of the greatest players in the world. In fact, Lyon won all three possible titles last season: Champions League, French League and the Coupe de France. They are committed to growing women’s soccer and provide the women with first-class facilities and an unparalleled training environment on par with the men’s team."
"I hope that this change will help push my game to another level," she wrote.
In her first season with the Pride, she scored four goals and one assist in 15 games.
She is married to professional soccer player Servando Carrasco, a midfielder for Orlando City SC.