The USWNT will be heading to the Olympics without one of its most iconic players, Alex Morgan. The decision to leave Morgan off the USWNT's 18-player Olympic roster, as well as the list of alternates, has been a significant talking point. The key factor behind this decision, according to head coach Emma Hayes, is versatility.
In a press conference with reporters on Wednesday, Hayes emphasized the importance of having a roster that can adapt and be flexible, especially with the tight schedule and quick turnarounds between games at the Olympics.
“Having a roster that could adapt is essential,” Hayes said, as reported by Jeff Kassouf of ESPN. “We have a tight turnaround between games, so of course having players on the roster that could play more than one position mattered with squad depth.”
Hayes pointed to the recent performance of the USWNT's front three—Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman—as an example of the versatility she values. In a match against South Korea, this trio came off the bench and quickly turned the game around. Smith replaced Morgan, and within five minutes, Rodman set up Swanson, who flicked the ball to Smith for a goal.
Morgan, while a prolific striker with 123 goals in 224 caps, is primarily a central forward, a role that does not offer the same flexibility as some of her younger teammates. Morgan turns 35 next week, and with the USWNT's current roster averaging four years younger than the previous Olympics, the shift towards younger, more versatile players has become apparent.
All factors considered in Alex Morgan decision
Hayes praised Morgan’s contributions and acknowledged the difficulty of the decision.
“I also think that there are players on the roster in the forward areas that are performing well and the decision to take those players was one that we certainly deliberated over,” Hayes said. “But I think it’s a balanced roster. I’ve considered all the factors that we’re going to need throughout the Olympics, and (the roster is) one that I’m really happy with.”
Morgan expressed her disappointment on social media, stating, “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.”
Morgan’s absence marks a shift for the USWNT, which has relied on her experience and scoring prowess for over a decade. Her omission signifies a broader transition within the team, moving towards a younger generation of players who bring a different style to the field.
Smith, Swanson and Rodman are expected to lead the attack. Jaedyn Shaw and Catarina Macario also add depth across the forward positions.
Despite not making the Olympic roster, Morgan's legacy with the USWNT remains intact. She has been a part of some of the most memorable moments in the team's history, including her extra-time goal in the 2012 Olympics semifinal against Canada and her performance in the 2019 World Cup.
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