For the first time since the 2008 Olympics, the U.S. women’s national team will enter a major tournament without Alex Morgan.
Morgan was not named to Emma Hayes’ 18-player Olympic roster on Wednesday, ending a run of seven straight major tournaments with the USWNT.
In Morgan’s absence, Hayes named five forwards to her squad: Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Jaedyn Shaw, Mallory Swanson, and Crystal Dunn.
After the USWNT roster was released, Morgan reacted with a post on social media.
“Today, I’m disappointed about not having the opportunity to represent our country on the Olympic stage,” she said.
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.”
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
Since making her debut at the 2011 World Cup, Morgan has become one of the most prolific and successful strikers in USWNT history.
The 34-year-old has scored 123 international goals (fifth in program history) while earning 224 caps, winning two World Cups and an Olympic gold medal.
Morgan has featured prominently for the USWNT in 2024, experiencing an upturn in form after she was initially left off the USWNT W Gold Cup roster.
Named as an injury replacement after Mia Fishel’s torn ACL, the veteran striker broke an 11-game scoring drought with goals in back-to-back games, then started the rest of the way as the USWNT won the tournament.
Morgan has played in nine of the USWNT’s 10 games in 2024, but hasn’t scored since the W Gold Cup. Between 2023 and 2024, Morgan has scored just four goals in 24 appearances for the USWNT.
The striker has also dealt with an ankle injury this season that saw her miss a month of action with the San Diego Wave. Morgan has not scored in the NWSL this season in eight total appearances.
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