:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/5410392/137912460.jpg)
Alex Morgan is rumored to be the next big-name signing by the Sounders Women, sources close to the situation have indicated to Sounder at Heart. Her signing could be announced next week.
Morgan was arguably the breakout star of the most recent Women's World Cup, scoring goals in both the semifinal and final for the United States women's national team. She also assisted on Abby Wambach's extra-time goal in the final, which the U.S. eventually lost to Japan in a shootout. The 22-year-old already has 16 international goals in just 32 appearances and was the youngest player on the U.S. World Cup roster.
The signing would make a lot of sense, even though Morgan was listed as playing in the WPSL in a recent press release. Morgan's WPS team, the Western New York Flash, have joined the WPSL, but there now appears to be no mention of Morgan on the WPSL website. Further evidence that would point to Morgan's joining the Sounders is that she's currently dating Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Servando Carrasco. She would also be joining United States teammates Hope Solo and Sydney Leroux, whose signings were announced on Feb. 14.
The trio is expected to suit up about eight times for the Sounders. They will likely play four regular-season home matches, one away match and three exhibition games. The season-opener is currently scheduled for May 20 at Starfire Sports Complex. The team is still trying to rearrange parts of its schedule to help accomodate these players' international duties, as well as avoid some conflicts with Sounders FC. Those changes are expected to be finalized next week.
Morgan's signing would just be the latest example of the current state of women's professional soccer. A year ago, she, as well well as Solo, was playing in the fully professional WPS and the Sounders were essentially an amateur club playing in the W-League, which was the second-highest women's league in the U.S. pyramid. Now, many of the WPS's top players -- and even full teams -- are choosing between opportunities in the W-League and the rival WPSL. Both leagues will feature pros playing alongside amateurs.