Emma Hayes, head coach of the U.S. women’s national team, announced her 18-player roster for the 2024 Olympics along with four alternates for the journey to France this summer. Notably absent from the roster was veteran striker Alex Morgan.
In a bold move aimed at developing the game in the U.S., Hayes selected the youngest Olympic roster for the USWNT since 2008, a stark contrast to Morgan’s long-standing leadership and presence on the team. Hayes justified her decision, stating, “I saw firsthand not just her qualities, but her professionalism. Her record speaks for itself,” acknowledging the constraints of the 18-player roster with only 16 field player spots.
GO DEEPER
Why Alex Morgan missed the USWNT Olympic roster
The current roster boasts an average age of 26.8, four years younger than the previous Olympic team in 2021 that settled for bronze. Additionally, the caps per player have significantly dropped, with an average of only 58 for this team compared to 111 from the pandemic-delayed Games three years ago.
Hayes stressed the importance of providing less experienced players with opportunities to gain crucial game-time experience to propel the team forward, emphasizing a forward-focused approach rather than dwelling on past achievements.
The Athletic’s Meg Linehan and Tamerra Griffin delved deeper into Morgan’s exclusion and provided a comprehensive analysis of the roster on their women’s soccer podcast Full Time with Meg Linehan. The discussion is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and below in the edited conversation.
Why was Alex Morgan left off the Olympic roster?
Tamerra Griffin: Following the roster announcement, the glaring omission of Alex Morgan prompted reactions and discussions within the women’s soccer community. Meg, what were your initial thoughts on Morgan’s absence?
Meg Linehan: With Morgan no longer a part of the starting forward line, questions arose about her potential as a substitute or alternate. However, Hayes ultimately decided to exclude Morgan from the roster entirely, opting for a fresh approach with younger players like Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman taking the spotlight. The team’s evolving dynamics and depth in the forward line shifted away from Morgan’s traditional role.
Morgan has shifted from a goalscorer to someone who can pull defenders in and absorb pressure (Harry How, Getty Images)
Linehan: Morgan’s role as a target for defenders to absorb pressure has been evident since 2019, deviating from her traditional goal-scoring responsibilities. However, the emergence of younger talents like Smith and Swanson emphasized a shift in playing styles and chemistry within the forward line.
Griffin: The unique synergy between Smith and Swanson, as highlighted by Hayes, showcases a new level of cohesion and attacking prowess among the younger players. As the team transitions towards a more versatile attacking strategy, Morgan’s absence is noted for the opportunities it creates for the rising stars to shine.
