Alex Morgan left out of US Olympic squad

The veteran forward Alex Morgan will not participate in the Paris Olympics after being surprisingly left off the coach’s U.S. roster Emma Hayes.

Morgan, Three-time Olympian and two-time world champion, was the most notable absence from the list of 18 players that was released on Wednesday.

This is the youngest team in the United States since 2008 and shows the change that is coming to the team before the 2027 World Cup under Hayes.

“First and foremost, I want to talk about what an incredible player and human being Alex Morgan is. I only had the chance to work with her once at the last camp and I saw firsthand her qualities and professionalism,” Hayes said.

Emma Hayes knocks Alex Morgan out of the Olympics.

❌ It will be the first international tournament that the American has missed since 2008.

💬 “I’m disappointed. (…) This competition will always be in my heart. In less than a month I will be supporting the team alongside my country.” pic.twitter.com/ZFfYQAX3zv

— Relay (@relevo) June 26, 2024

“Secondly, it is difficult to make a decision when there are only 16 field players and two goalkeepers. It was a difficult decision.”

Morgan, 34 years oldmissed nearly a month with the San Diego Wave due to an ankle injury he suffered on April 19, but has since returned. Morgan, who He has scored 123 goals in 224 appearances for the national team, He missed the last duel with his club.

“Today I am disappointed not to have the opportunity to represent my country on the Olympic stage,” Morgan posted on the social network X, formerly known as Twitter. “It will always be a tournament that I hold dear to my heart and I am proud to wear the shield on my chest.”

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

Hayes, who previously managed Chelsea in England, was appointed coach of the national team in November but only joined in May to take charge of the friendly against South Korea.

Paris 2024: These are the United States’ squad

Ported: Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
Defenses: Tierna Davidson (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit), Jenna Nighswonger (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham FC).
Midfielders: Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon), Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC).
Forwards: Crystal Dunn (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave FC), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars).