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'She's the one that inspired me to play soccer': Alex Morgan fans recall soccer star's legacy

Ticket sales to Morgan's last match in San Diego have tripled since her retirement announcement.

SAN DIEGO — When it comes to the game of soccer, Alex Morgan has done it all.

The San Diego Wave star announced her retirement Thursday, following a career full of achievements.

Morgan, is a two-time world cup champion and Olympic gold medalist. 

She ranks fifth in the U.S. Women National Team's history with 123 goals scored across 224 appearances.

On top of all that, the 35-year-old is also a mom, with another on the way, and an advocate for the advancement of women in sports.

"She's the one that inspired me to play soccer first,” said 11-year-old Madeline Atwater.

Atwater is just one example of Morgan's influence.

The 6th grader says for her and other girls her age, Morgan proves anything is possible.

"It's actually really inspiring because women don't get to do everything as boys get to do, and if Alex Morgan can play soccer for her whole life and go pro and make history that's really cool," said Atwater.

But, Morgan's legacy goes far beyond the younger generation.

Sinead Quinn grew up playing soccer, and is now a coach.

She remembers the great players from her early years, and says morgan has risen to their level and beyond.

"You put Alex Morgan with Lebron James, people know Lebron James. You put Alex Morgan with Manny Machado, you put Alex Morgan with Travis Kelce, you put Alex Morgan with Taylor Swift -  any person in any genre, Alex Morgan is right there," said Quinn.

Quinn says Morgan is an inspiration not only for her skills on the field, but off it as well.

When asked what her message to Morgan would be, she had this to say:

“I appreciate everything that you've done and you will continue to do for women's sports, and not just the pay aspect, for equality, but for instilling the love of the game within all of us, young girls and young adults," said Quinn.

Morgan will lace up one last time this Sunday at Snapdragon Stadium as the wave hosts the North Carolina Courage at five o'clock.

According to ticketing technology company Logitix, the volume of tickets sold has tripled since she announced her retirement, with ticket prices increasing to 51 dollars up from 28 dollars in less than 24 hours.

WATCH RELATED: Soccer icon Alex Morgan announces her retirement from the San Diego Wave after Sept. 8 game

    

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