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The United States Women’s National Team has named its roster for the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, and to the shock of fans, superstar forward Alex Morgan is not on it.
Morgan, 34, is the United States’ fifth-leading scorer all-time and has not missed a major tournament in 16 years since the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
It marks the first major move for new manager Emma Hayes, who took over just one month ago after an illustrious club career with Chelsea.
Today, I’m disappointed about not having the opportunity to represent our country on the Olympic stage. This will always be a tournament that is close to my heart and I take immense pride any time I put on the crest.
In less than a month, I look forward to supporting this team… pic.twitter.com/NAXmQnNN8B
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) June 26, 2024
Morgan handled the decision with class, tweeting out the following statement:
“Today, I’m disappointed about not having the opportunity to represent our country on the Olympic stage. This will always be a tournament that is close to my heart and I take immense pride any time I put on the crest. In less than a month, I look forward to supporting this team and cheering them on alongside the rest of our country. LFG.”
The complete roster is as follows:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage; 19), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars; 104)
DEFENDERS (6): Tierna Davidson (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 58/3), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 49/1), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC; 32/0), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit; 49/0), Jenna Nighswonger (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 9/2), Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 91/2)
MIDFIELDERS (5): Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA; 11/0), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC; 17/1), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA; 148/35), Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 100/24), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC, ENG; 19/8)
FORWARDS (5): Crystal Dunn (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 147/25), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit; 38/7), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave FC; 14/7), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC; 48/19), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars; 92/34)
Alternates: Goalkeeper Jane Campbell, midfielder Hal Hershfelt, midfielder Croix Bethune and forward Lynn Williams.
Young stars such as Trinity Rodman, Jaedyn Shaw and Sophia Smith headline the forward line. While Mallory Swanson returns after missing the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with a torn patellar tendon.
Midfielder Catarino Macario, who also missed the World Cup due to a torn ACL, makes her return as well. Lindsey Horan is expected to captain the side.
The U.S. has not won gold in women’s soccer at the Olympics since London 2012.