Alex Morgan: USA Forward Will Leave London as America's Brightest Soccer Star

The United States has a knack for producing women's soccer players who tend to be the best in the world. Alex Morgan, just 23, is next in line. 

As the USA rose to become a powerhouse, it was ladies such as Julie Foudy, Michelle Akers, Kristine Lilly, Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain who established themselves as worldwide stars. 

Then the new crop started to make its way in. Christine Rampone, Hope Solo and Abby Wambach took over the reigns of the best team in the world. But as we continue to progress through London, it's clear that Morgan is knocking on the door. 

Despite being 23, there isn't much that Morgan hasn't accomplished.

During last year's World Cup, the fantastically-skilled forward, who was the youngest player on the team, scored the game-winner against France in the 82nd minute of the semifinal. She scored again in the final against Japan and assisted on another one in extra time. 

Her efforts earned her a nomination for the Best Breakthrough Athlete at the ESPYs. 

2012 has been more of the same, as Morgan has been on fire, running her international goal total up to 29 in a mere 47 appearances.

During the past two weeks, she has scored three goals in five matches, including two huge tallies in an uneasy win against France and the game winner in Monday's thriller against Canada. 

But all of these things are known facts. Morgan is well on her way to establishing herself as one of the best players on this dominant team. The question on everyone's mind now, however, is simple: Is she the best? 

Morgan has some stiff competition on her own squad.

The 27-year-old midfielder Megan Rapinoe busted onto the scene at a later age than Morgan, but has been just as effective lately.

Known for her ability to fly down the sideline with terrifying runs and follow them up with dangerous crosses, Rapinoe has shown her ability to put the ball in the back of the net. Her goal from a corner kick and subsequent bullet from the top of the box against Canada were indicators of that.

Then, most notably, you have Abby Wambach, who isn't quite rolling over in her grave just yet. She is still just 32 years old, and her five goals in five games has propelled her total up to a ridiculous 143 in 187 caps, which puts her easily on pace to shatter Mia Hamm's goal record. 

But could Morgan's game-winner against Canada serve as the early passing of the torch (via NBCOlympics.com's Jeff Kassouf)?

"

So just over a year after Abby Wambach scores latest goal in FIFA history at World Cup (122'), Alex Morgan scores in the 123rd at #Olympics.

— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) August 6, 2012"

Anything Wambach can do, Morgan can do better.

The best soccer player in the nation comes down to Rapinoe, Wambach and Morgan—and everyone contributes in their own way.

Rapinoe is a dangerous midfielder who makes plays on every inch of the pitch and Wambach, with 0.76 goals per international match, is easily the most productive goal-scorer in the world. But it's Morgan's ability to come up with the clutch goals that make her the best.

In her first real action on the international squad, Morgan came up huge during last year's World Cup, scoring a game-winner and participating in two other potential ones in limited action. Now, on possibly an even bigger stage, all she is doing is scoring 123rd-minute goals and coming through when all hope seems lost.

That's what truly makes a star.

Should Morgan somehow come up with yet another game-winner against Japan for the gold on Thursday, she will break away from the trio of American stars.

Even if she doesn't leave London as America's brightest soccer star, surely Alex Morgan will settle for a shiny medal and the realization that her time as the world's No. 1 is right around the corner. 

Follow @t_keen