Number 13, Alex Morgan, is an inspiration for many in the soccer world.
This weekend the icon will officially have her jersey retired at Snapdragon Stadium by San Diego Wave FC, a year after she retired from the sport.
“She is not somebody who just played a game, she created a path for so many other people,” said Wave FC fan Amanda Farr.
She’s a member of the San Diego Sirens supporters group — an independent fan club of the team.
A man paints the lettering on a mural of soccer star Alex Morgan at Mike Hess Brewing in North Park, Sept. 5, 2025.
Farr said the build up to Morgan’s jersey retirement is a moment to relish.
“I have boys, I have girls and my sons have been raised in a town where one of the biggest athletic heroes of their hometown is Alex Morgan. They have her picture up on their wall along with Padres and other athletes,” she said.
Morgan signed with the Wave ahead of their inaugural season in 2022 and played with the club through 2024.
The team and community are celebrating the national soccer star in a variety of ways — including a new mural unveiled Friday at Mike Hess Brewing in North Park.
Soccer fan Maggie O’Connor was there to honor her idol.
“Its been such a struggle to have access to women’s sports in general and I think especially when she did play for Wave, having that big of a name coming onto a team brought a lot of attention,” she said.
Artist Paul Jimenez preps his gear to complete the mural of soccer star Alex Morgan at Mike Hess Brewing in North Park, Sept. 5, 2025.
Paul Jimenez is the artist behind the spray-painted mural. He said this is his third public Wave FC portrait.
He created the Alex Morgan mural in just four days.
“I was super excited,” Jimenez said. “I’ve always wanted to paint her publicly because she’s such a legend in San Diego.”
Morgan’s impact was not just felt here in San Diego, but nationwide and even globally.
She is one of the most decorated players in U.S. Women’s National Team history, and fought for equality in sport off the pitch.
“She fought for equality in pay. She continues to be a force for women’s place in media and in sports and in business,” Farr said. “And in this community she runs foundations for young girls to be able to have access to athletics.”
Sirens Supporter Group member Amanda Farr stands in front of a new Alex Morgan mural in North Park, Sept. 5, 2025.
Morgan’s jersey retirement ceremony will be held on Sunday evening at Snapdragon Stadium, just after the team’s game against the Houston Dash.
The team is also hosting a fan fest before the match to honor the soccer legend.
New Zealand have lost the first leg of their two-match Soccer Ashes series against Australia, losing 1-0 at Gio Stadium, Canberra.
The winning goal was scored by debutant Max Balard in the 87th minute, only two minutes after he was introduced to the game as a substitute.
The All Whites created several clear goalscoring opportunities during the game but failed to finish.
Australia struggled in the first half but improved in the second spell, especially after they brought on their substitutes.
READ MORE: Late heartbreak for All Whites as Australia take first-leg advantage >>>>>
READ MORE: ‘The boys are gutted’ — reaction from coach Darren Bazeley after All Whites loss >>>>
Watch the highlights
The teams head to Auckland for Tuesday’s second leg at Go Media Stadium.
The Soccer Ashes will be decided on the aggregate score of the two games. If New Zealand win the second leg by a one-goal margin, a penalty shootout will settle the series.
Result
Game played on Friday September 5, 2025
Australia 1 (Max Balard 87′) New Zealand 0
Line-ups
Australia
Paul Izzo, Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek (c), Samuel Silvera, Cameron Burgess, Patrick Yazbek, Ryan Teague (Max Balard 85′), Jordy Bos, Connor Metcalfe (Nestory Irankunda 74′), Ajdin Hrustic (Nicolas Milanovic 74′), Martin Boyle (Mohammed Toure 74′).
Subs not used: Tom Glover, Lewis Miller, Kye Rowles, Adrian Segecic, Aiden O’Neill, Joe Gauci, Jack Irelade, Hayden Matthews.
New Zealand
Max Crocombe, Tim Payne (Callan Elliot, 63′), Francis de Vries (James McGarry 70′), Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Joe Bell, Chris Wood (c) (Kosta Barbarouses 63′), Sarpreet Singh (Finn Surman 75′), Eli Just (Ben Old 70′), Callum McCowatt, Ryan Thomas (Alex Rufer 64′).
Subs not used: Jesse Randall, Henry Gray, Logan Rogerson, Oli Sail, Luke Brooke-Smith.
Fixture
Game to be played on Tuesday September 9, 2025
New Zealand v Australia Go Media Stadium, Mt Smart, Auckland, 7pm (NZT)
Ticket prices (Auckland match)
Tickets will be sold at ticketek.co.nz.
Before match day:
Adults: $20, $40, or $80 (plus ticketing fees)
14 and under: $10, $20, or $40 (plus ticketing fees)
Match day prices:
Adults: $25, $45, or $85 (plus ticketing fees)
14 and under: $15, $25, or $45 (plus ticketing fees)
Active Supporters Zone (South Stand – same location as The Port for Auckland FC):
Pre-sale: $20 adults / $10 (14 and under)
Match day: $25 adults / $15 (14 and under) (All prices exclude ticketing fees)
This story was first published on September 6, 2025.
Kaizer Chiefs have further confirmed their seriousness about their revival this season with the signing of former Cape Town City striker Khanyisa Mayo.
Mayo, 27, has been at CR Belouizdad in Algeria where he became surplus to requirements after just one season.
He follows in the footsteps of his father Patrick who spent five seasons at Chiefs from 2003 to 2007 playing first as an attacker before switching to defence.
The striker joins a number of high profile South African players who signed for Chiefs this season. Siphesihle Ndlovu, Lebogang Maboe, Thabiso Montane, Luke Baartman, Asanele Velebayi and Paseko Mako are among new players at Amakhosi this season.
Chiefs have started the 2025-2026 season like a house on fire, winning four of their first five matches to share top spot with Sekhukhune United, the team they’ll meet after the international break.
Chiefs last won the league in 2015 and ended their unprecedented 10-year trophy drought by winning the Nedbank Cup under their current Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi.
