Alex Morgan Will Establish Herself as Starter for Team USA in Algarve Cup

Despite the fact that, along with goalkeeper Hope Solo, she is the face of American women's soccer, striker Alex Morgan has yet to crack head coach Pia Sundhage's Starting XI.

With a strong performance in the Algarve Cup, however, that will soon change.

The Algarve Cup will take place in Portugal this year and it is akin to the World Cup, although it's certainly on a smaller scale. With that said, it will be a great test for the American women to atone for their loss to Japan in the World Cup Finals this past summer.

The Americans have traditionally dominated the tournament, winning it four out of the past five years, and seven out of the past nine years. Sundhage would certainly love to win it again so the team can build some momentum toward the 2012 Olympics in London, as well as the World Cup a few years down the line.

Despite Morgan's constant contributions off the bench, including a goal in the World Cup Finals against Japan which could have easily been the match-winner, she continues to be a late-match substitute. Because of her speed and creativity, it has worked to this point, but eventually Morgan needs to be given a chance to start.

Sundhage is loyal to Abby Wambach and Lauren Cheney up top, and it's for good reason as both have been extremely productive. At the same time, though, she continues to insert Amy Rodriguez into the starting lineup.

While Rodriguez is a solid player with offensive skill, she is far too inconsistent. Essentially, she is an all-or-nothing player. Morgan is less experienced, but in the CAPs that she has earned, she has made a much larger impact overall than Rodriguez has.

There's no reason why Cheney can't be moved back as an attacking midfielder with Morgan replacing Rodriguez. The combination of Morgan and Wambach up top is simply too good to ignore. Morgan has a non-stop motor and can blow by defenders, while Wambach is very physical and is capable of fighting off defenders for headers.

Perhaps Sundhage believes that Morgan needs to put in her time before she can supplant Rodriguez on the depth chart, but when a player is as talented as Morgan, she needs to be utilized to the best of her potential—regardless of age.

The US will get things started on Wednesday against Denmark and figures to be the favorite to win the whole tournament. If the Americans are victorious and Morgan continues her hot play, then it will be very difficult for Sundhage to keep her on the bench as the Olympics approach.