Alex Mogan Plays For US While Trade Rumors Swirl

SEATTLE (AP) — Alex Morgan started for the World Cup champion U.S. team against Brazil on Wednesday night amid reports that she was on the verge of being sent to the expansion Orlando Pride of the National Women's Soccer League.

Morgan has played with the Portland Thorns for the past three seasons. The new Orlando team was announced Tuesday and will begin play next season. Morgan's husband, Servando Carrasco, plays for Major League Soccer's Orlando City.

Sports Illustrated first reported the deal that would send Morgan and Canadian Kaylyn Kyle to Orlando for the Pride's first pick in the NWSL draft, two international slots, and U.S. national team defender Meghan Klingenberg, currently with the Houston Dash.

The Thorns didn't immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

The 26-year-old Morgan is one of the most popular female players in the world. She was on the U.S. team that won the Women's World Cup this summer in Canada. She first made a splash at the London Olympics when she scored the overtime winner for the United States in a semifinal victory over Canada.