Alex Morgan, a highly decorated player in U.S. women’s soccer history, was left off the American roster headed to the Olympics in France. The team, under first-year coach Emma Hayes, is aiming to return the Americans to their usual elite status after a disappointing round of 16 exit at the World Cup and a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Morgan, who started in all four of America’s matches at the 2023 World Cup, did not score and recorded only one assist. Despite this omission, if this marks the end of Morgan’s international career, she leaves with an impressive resume that includes two World Cup titles and Olympic gold and bronze medals.
In a statement posted on X, Morgan expressed her disappointment at not being able to represent her country on the Olympic stage, emphasizing the tournament’s significance to her. Hayes, while acknowledging the difficulty of the selection process, stated that choosing the 18-player roster and alternates involved many considerations, ultimately resulting in the group that was selected. Morgan’s iconic goal in the semifinals of the 2012 Olympics at Old Trafford, which propelled the United States to victory over Canada and subsequently to a gold medal, remains a standout moment in American soccer history. Despite not being part of the roster, Morgan pledged to support and cheer on her former teammates from home during the upcoming tournament.
The American roster for the Olympics included goalkeepers Alyssa Naeher and Casey Murphy, defenders Tierna Davidson, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Casey Krueger, Jenna Nighswonger, and Emily Sonnett, midfielders Korbin Albert, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, and Catarina Macario, as well as forwards Crystal Dunn, Trinity Rodman, Jaedyn Shaw, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson. Goalkeeper Jane Campbell, midfielders Hal Hershfelt and Croix Bethune, and forward Lynn Williams were named as alternates. The team has two more exhibition games against Mexico and Costa Rica to prepare for the Olympics, with their opener scheduled against Zambia on July 25 in Nice, France.
Under Hayes’ guidance, the team is focused on avoiding becoming the first U.S. women’s soccer team to go three consecutive Olympics or World Cups without winning the top prize. The disappointment of last year’s World Cup and Tokyo Olympics results is driving the team to perform at a higher level in France. Hayes and her coaching staff will be looking to capitalize on the talent and experience within the squad to ensure they are competitive at the tournament. With Morgan’s omission, other players will have the opportunity to step up and make their mark on the world stage, further solidifying the team’s status as one of the best in women’s soccer. The support and enthusiasm of fans, both domestically and internationally, will play a crucial role in motivating the team as they aim to achieve their Olympic goals.
