Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Alex Morgan was named the 2012 Female Athlete of the Year by U.S. soccer on Monday in her first time on the ballot.
Morgan has enjoyed a breakout year in 2012 for the U.S. women's team, leading the squad with 28 goals, which is good for third best all time in a calendar year behind Abby Wambach (31 in 2004) and Michelle Akers (39 in 1991).
In addition to her scoring exploits, Morgan has helped set up 19 more goals, which also leads the team, and she will have a chance to add to those totals with three more games against China before the close of the year.
The 23-year-old helped the U.S. women capture the gold medal at the Summer Olympics in London this year, and she has also earned a place on the FIFA Ballon d'Or shortlist, with the winner set to be announced on Jan. 7.
