Alex Morgan, a seasoned star, needs to be included. With the release of coach Emma Hayes’ 18-player roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the US Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) saw a significant change in personnel this week. Since Morgan’s pre-debut days at the 2008 Olympics, this is the first significant competition the USWNT will compete in without her.
With an excellent resume, Morgan is a household name associated with American soccer excellence. She is ninth in the program’s all-time rankings and has scored the most goals among active US players with 123. She also holds the ninth-most caps with 224 outings.
Although fans are offended by Morgan’s exclusion, coach Hayes gave priority to a combination of emerging skills and experience. Ten players from the 2023 World Cup roster were retained, including seasoned veterans such as captain Lindsey Horan, position-shifted Crystal Dunn, and goalie Alyssa Naeher. Notably, promising talents Mallory Swanson and Catarina Macario merited their berths even though they were injured and missed the World Cup.
With this choice, the USWNT is undergoing a leadership transition. Hayes took over as coach in late May, and her goal is for the squad to win back the gold medal at the Olympics, something they haven’t done since the London Games in 2012. She might play to the energy and stamina of younger players rather than the wisdom of veterans like Morgan.
On social media, Morgan graciously expressed her disappointment at the news and her everlasting support for her teammates. “This will always be a tournament that is close to my heart,” she stated. Her commitment to the game and her country’s squad has not wavered.
In women’s soccer, this development starts a discussion regarding changing generations. With her standing as a global icon and supporter of gender equality in sports, Morgan’s impact goes well beyond the field. However, there are concerns about how to best incorporate the new generation of talent while paying tribute to the pioneers.
Morgan’s achievements are not lessened by her exclusion. Future generations of female athletes will surely continue to draw inspiration from her. That being said, it marks a significant turning point for the USWNT. Coach Hayes hopes to bring in a new chapter of American domination in women’s soccer with a new emphasis on athletic prowess and new faces. The way the squad performs in Paris will demonstrate the value of this tactical change and pen the next chapter in the USWNT’s legendary past.