Alex Morgan Left Off USWNT Roster for Paris Olympics
Alex Morgan, one of the most decorated players in U.S. women’s soccer history, has been left off the roster for the upcoming Paris Olympics. This decision by first-year coach Emma Hayes signals a significant shift as the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) aims to reclaim its dominance on the international stage.
Morgan, the USWNT’s active leading goal scorer and fifth on its all-time list, was not included in the 18-player roster announced on Wednesday.
Instead, the forwards selected are Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Jaedyn Shaw, Trinity Rodman, and Crystal Dunn. Hayes explained that with only 16 outfield players allowed, versatility and current performance were critical factors in her decision.
“The biggest factor is (we can have) 16 outfield players,” Hayes stated.
“Having a roster that could adapt is essential. … The decision to take those players was one that we certainly deliberated over.”
Hayes acknowledged the difficulty of leaving Morgan off the roster, citing her professionalism and history with the team.
“It was not easy making a decision. There are 16 outfield players and two goalkeepers on a roster of 18. It was a tough decision, especially considering Alex’s record and history with this team,” Hayes said.
Morgan’s exclusion is particularly surprising given her illustrious career. She has been a fixture in the USWNT since the 2011 World Cup and was recently named to FIFPro’s World 11 for the third consecutive year.
However, she has struggled with injuries and form recently, missing a month of the NWSL season with an ankle injury and scoring her first goal in a year for the USWNT in February against Argentina.
The decision to leave Morgan off the roster highlights the ongoing transition within the USWNT. The team is moving away from the generation that won two World Cup titles and an Olympic gold between 2012 and 2019.
Hayes emphasized the need to develop less experienced players, stating, “We have to do that to take that next step. … The last eight months has been about giving experiences to bridge that gap because there is a correlation between caps and success at international tournaments.”
The current roster, with an average age of 26.8 years, is the youngest Olympic roster the USWNT has had since 2008. This youth movement is seen as essential for building a team capable of competing at the highest levels in future tournaments.
Despite her disappointment, Morgan expressed support for her teammates.
“Today, I’m disappointed about not having the opportunity to represent our country on the Olympic stage,” Morgan wrote on social media. “In less than a month, I look forward to supporting this team and cheering them on alongside the rest of our country.”
The USWNT will play two sendoff matches against Mexico on July 13 and Costa Rica on July 16 before heading to Paris. Their Olympic campaign begins on July 25 with a match against Zambia, followed by games against Germany on July 28 and Australia on July 31.