Babies are cute; this isn't news. But it turns out I have a special place in my heart for babies in soccer jerseys.
Alex Morgan took the field for the U.S. Women's National Team's SheBelieves Cup match against Canada (they won) last night in Orlando, Fla. She just recently returned to the game in November after her maternity leave, but was then forced to sit out over the holidays while her family recovered from COVID-19. Morgan's hoping to be considered for this summer's Tokyo Olympics team, though, so expect to see much more of her over the coming months as she makes up for lost time.
Someone else we're hoping to see more of? Her 9-month-old daughter Charlie, who showed up to the game sporting a custom USWNT number 13 jersey with "Mom" printed on the back. Join me as I completely melt.
Charlie isn't the only soccer kid dressing the part. Little Sloane Phillips, the newborn that Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris brought home from the hospital just a week ago, showed off some pride for her mamas in a brand new custom T-shirt (a gift, apparently, from teammate Julie Ertz), paired with red pants and the most adorable little velcro adidas you ever did see. She took after Charlie with her bow, completing a very USA soccer look.
Midfielder and 2019's Women's World Cup Golden Ball and Boot recipient Megan Rapinoe FaceTimed Sloane before taking the field yesterday for good luck, so it looks like the team has a secret weapon in their back pocket.
So, anyway, if any other professional soccer players have photos of their babies dressed for the game, please send them my way.