The U.S. women’s soccer team announced its Olympic roster on Wednesday, and one of the biggest names in the sport’s history was not included: Alex Morgan.
Of the 18 players selected by first-year coach Emma Hayes, who hopes to lead the team back to its familiar dominance, Morgan was the most notable omission.
The USWNT exited last year’s World Cup earlier than expected, falling in the round of 16, and only managed to secure a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
Morgan was in the starting lineup for each of the United States’ four matches in the 2023 World Cup, but she failed to score a goal and only tallied one assist.
Should this mark the conclusion of Morgan’s time representing the U.S. on the international stage, she would retire with an impressive resume that boasts two World Cup championships and both gold and bronze Olympic medals.
“I’m disappointed to not have the chance to wear our country’s colors on the Olympic stage,” Morgan wrote in a statement shared on X. “This tournament will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’m incredibly proud every time I get to represent the U.S.”
“Earning a spot on an Olympic roster is a tremendous honor and privilege, and it’s undeniable that the selection process was incredibly challenging given the talent pool and the dedication shown by all the players over the past 10 months,” Hayes explained in a statement.
“Many factors went into choosing the 18 players for the roster, as well as the alternates, but I’m thrilled with the group we’ve assembled.”
One of the most unforgettable goals in the annals of American soccer history belongs to Morgan: a header in the 123rd minute during the semifinals of the 2012 Olympics at Old Trafford, securing a 4–3 victory for the United States over Canada.
That goal propelled the U.S. to the gold medal game a few days later, where they triumphed over Japan with a score of 2–1.
On Wednesday, Morgan pledged her unwavering support for her former teammates as they compete in the upcoming Olympics.
“In just under a month, I’m looking forward to cheering this team on alongside the rest of our nation,” she remarked.
Here’s the full roster:
- Goalkeepers: Alyssa Naeher, Casey Murphy.
- Defenders: Tierna Davidson, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Casey Krueger, Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnett.
- Midfielders: Korbin Albert, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Catarina Macario.
- Forwards: Crystal Dunn, Trinity Rodman, Jaedyn Shaw, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson.
The alternate players are goalkeeper Jane Campbell, midfielders Hal Hershfelt and Croix Bethune, and forward Lynn Williams.
The U.S. team has two more exhibition matches on its schedule as they finalize their preparations for the Olympics: against Mexico on July 13 in Harrison, New Jersey, and against Costa Rica on July 16 in Washington, D.C.
The Americans will kick off their Olympic campaign on July 25 against Zambia in Nice, France.
Hayes’ team is aiming to avoid an unprecedented outcome: becoming the first U.S. women’s soccer team to go three consecutive Olympics or World Cups without claiming the top honor.
