Next month, the U.S. Women’s National Team will aim to bounce back after two lackluster performances in recent major tournaments. In the 2020 Olympics, the team secured a bronze medal, and in the 2023 World Cup, they experienced their worst-ever performance, exiting in the round of 16. This time, they will compete without their most renowned player, who is also one of their top goal scorers.
Alex Morgan, the highest-scoring active U.S. player and fifth on the all-time list, has been left off the 18-player roster by the new coach, Emma Hayes, who took over earlier this year. Morgan has been a staple in the team since the 2008 Olympics, where she won gold in 2008 and 2012. She also contributed to World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019, the latter including her record-tying five-goal performance against Thailand in a single match.
Morgan had been part of the recent USWNT roster and scored two goals in international matches earlier this year. Her exclusion from the Olympic roster is significant as it marks the end of an era. With Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz retiring, Morgan was one of the few remaining players from the squad that had dominated the past decade.
The decision to exclude Morgan from the Paris squad isn’t entirely unexpected. She wasn’t initially selected for the CONCACAF tournament earlier this year. Despite her impressive tally of 123 goals in 220 appearances, her scoring rate has dipped, with just two goals in the last 18 months and four in the past two years. At 35, Morgan has been surpassed by younger players, with the current squad’s average age being almost nine years younger than her.
Hayes’ decision reflects a forward-looking strategy, prioritizing future success over past achievements. With the next World Cup in 2027, the likelihood of Morgan being part of that squad was already slim. Therefore, Hayes’ focus on younger talent to redeem the team’s recent poor showing is understandable.
“It was a tough decision, of course, especially considering Alex’s history and record with this team,” Hayes commented, “but I felt that I wanted to go in another direction and selected other players.”
For a player of Morgan’s stature, missing out on representing her country is undoubtedly difficult. In response, Morgan shared her feelings on social media:
“Today, I’m disappointed about not having the opportunity to represent our country on the Olympic stage,” she expressed. “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.”
Morgan’s absence signifies a pivotal moment for the USWNT as they transition from a golden era defined by veterans like her, Rapinoe, and Ertz, to a new generation of players. This shift is a natural progression in sports, where new talent must rise to meet evolving challenges. Coach Hayes’ decision, while tough, aligns with a broader vision of long-term success and rejuvenation.
As the team prepares for the upcoming Olympics, the focus will be on nurturing young players who can step up and fill the void left by seasoned veterans. The challenge is immense, but so is the potential for growth and redemption. The team’s journey will not only be about reclaiming past glory but also about building a foundation for future triumphs.
Morgan’s legacy, marked by her numerous achievements and contributions, will remain a significant chapter in the history of the USWNT. Her leadership, skill, and passion have inspired many, and her influence will continue to be felt, even if she is not on the field. As she transitions into a supportive role, her experience and insight will be invaluable to her younger teammates.
In sports, change is inevitable, and the USWNT is no exception. The team’s success has always been built on a blend of experience and youth, and this new phase will test the resilience and adaptability of both the players and the coaching staff. The upcoming Olympics will be a critical test for the team, not just in terms of performance but also in how well they can integrate and harness the potential of their newer members.
Ultimately, the decision to leave out Alex Morgan, while difficult, underscores a commitment to evolving and staying competitive on the global stage. It is a strategic move aimed at fostering a dynamic and formidable squad capable of facing future challenges head-on. The journey ahead may be daunting, but it also holds the promise of discovering new talent and rekindling the spirit of excellence that has long defined the USWNT.
As fans and supporters rally behind the team, the focus will be on collective effort and unity. Morgan’s gracious acceptance of the decision and her continued support exemplify the spirit of sportsmanship and dedication that has made the USWNT a symbol of resilience and excellence. The road to redemption is paved with both challenges and opportunities, and the team’s resolve will be crucial in shaping their path forward.
