Michael Parsons

FLORIDA TODAY

Alex Morgan admits she can be a sore loser.

Whether it is on a soccer field or playing gin rummy with her husband and Orlando City player Servando Carrasco, Morgan can’t stand coming up short.

“He is actually really good at gin rummy and it is really annoying because I feel like I have been playing that game for years, since I was like 8 years old and he beats me all the time and he just learned it,” Morgan said Thursday. “It gets heated at times … everything seems to come real natural to him, it’s not fair.”

Opponents say the same thing about her on the field as the Orlando Pride striker has a goal and an assist in the team’s first four games and seven of her 12 shots have been on goal.

Pride blank Seattle; win special for Harris

But everyone knew that she would be an offensive threat for the Pride when she was traded to the team. It has been the rest of her game that has impressed the staff.

“I think we have started to see the qualities that she has both in the sense that she can create chances as well as score chances,” Orlando Pride coach Tom Sermanni said after Sunday night’s game. “Her explosiveness when she gets into that mode, it is almost unstoppable. I think it is terrific because most people just see her as a scorer and obviously a big role on our team will be as a scorer but also someone to create chances for us as well.”

The U.S. Women’s National Team player said that one of her best moments of the season was actually on the assist Sunday evening.

“Sarah’s (Hagen) goal in the 11th minute, being able to contribute to her goal … just seeing that she has come across 11 years cancer free and scoring in the 11th minute was just pretty coincidental,” Morgan said. “That was pretty amazing to be a part of.”

Overall, Morgan is happy with how the team has come together after just a short time.

“I think we are learning what we are capable of but I think other teams are also learning what we are capable of,” Morgan said. “We are competing in this league and doing quite well, more at home than away games. It has really been great so far, the team has grown so much from the first game.”

Alex Morgan of the Orlando Pride talks about first win

Morgan and the Pride will look to remain unbeaten at home Saturday night, hosting Western New York in an early Eastern Conference matchup.

Levin placed on DL

Orlando Pride defender Cami Levin underwent a successful emergency appendectomy at Orlando Regional Medical Center.

A native of Newport Coast, Calif., Levin is expected to miss approximately four weeks and has been placed on the 45-day Disabled List.

“We’re obviously upset about losing Cami for this time, but we’re happy that this was caught before the situation could have been worse,” said Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni. “We wish her a speedy and smooth recovery and look forward to having her back on the field soon.”

Levin, 26, earned her first appearance for the Pride in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Seattle Reign FC, coming in as a second-half substitute at right back.

