USA vs. Canada: Alex Morgan Must Become Starter Before Olympic Qualifying

Alex Morgan was used in a substitute role during the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, but with Olympic Qualifying set to begin early next year, United States head coach Pia Sundhage should begin the transition of the talented striker into the starting lineup against Canada.

Morgan scored in both the semifinal win over France and the loss to Japan in the finals. Her goal against Japan gave the United States a 1-0 lead and had fans throughout the country thinking the World Cup was all but won before Japan's late rally.

The 22-year-old forward also helped the Western New York Flash to a Women's Professional Soccer championship upon returning from Germany.

She brings a pace to the game which no other member of the team can match. Amy Rodriguez was thoroughly unimpressive during the World Cup run, and that should open the door for Morgan to become a starter.

Abby Wambach will continue to be the focal point of the American offense, but inserting Morgan into the starting XI would bring an added dimension to the team. The offense struggled mightily in the final against Japan until Morgan was brought off the bench.

The other option up top would be Lauren Cheney. While Cheney created a bunch of scoring chances during the World Cup, she failed to convert most of the opportunities. In a game where every scoring chance needs to be deposited, that's just not going to work.

Morgan is the future of women's soccer in the United States. Her looks attract men to watch the sport and her awe-inspiring speed and skill inspire young girls to play the game.

Joining the starting lineup is the next step toward superstardom for the former California Golden Bear. The entire roster expressed interest in sticking together and making a run at the gold medal in London at the Olympics.

They will once again be among the favorites to claim the tournament crown, but only with 90 minutes of Morgan will they be true contenders. Without that added threat to take pressure off Wambach, the Americans will be prone to a stagnant offense as was the case during the World Cup.

Alex Morgan is the future and the future should start against Canada.