US women’s national team coach Emma Hayes omitted Alex Morgan from the USWNT roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
US Soccer released the list of 18 women Wednesday. There were no impressive inclusions. But Morgan was a somewhat surprising exclusion.
Hayes, who formally took charge of the USWNT last month, essentially chose Casey Krueger, a defender, and Crystal Dunn, a do-it-all utility player, over Morgan, who would have served as a change-of-pace backup forward.
USWNT 2024 Olympics Roster
Goalkeepers (2): Casey Murphy (North Carolina Grit), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
Defenders (6): Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit), Jenna Nighswonger (Gotham FC), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC)
Midfielders (5): Korbin Albert (PSG), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Lyon), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Catarina Macario (Chelsea)
Forwards (5): Crystal Dunn (Gotham FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars)
Substitutes: Jane Campbell (GK), Hal Hershfelt (M), Croix Bethune (M), Lynn Williams (F)
Exclusion of Alex Morgan
With this change of pace, Morgan still offered value. As a forward who connects with her teammates and as a forward defender, she is unparalleled in the U.S. player pool. She was also the only player with an Olympic gold medal seriously considered for this lineup; the remainder of the USWNT’s 2012 team has retired or been cut.
But his ability to score goals – a striker’s most valuable trait – is gone. She was left out 23 players lineup last winter for a reason. She was eventually called up to the W Gold Cup roster as a replacement for the injured Mia Fishel; but for the Olympics, the 18-player limit proved too restrictive.
Including the 34-year-old Morgan would have left the USWNT roster unbalanced, with seven players who could only fill the top four positions on the field, to the detriment of depth in the defensive positions. And the other six forwards, at this stage of their careers, are simply better. Mallory Swanson was a key to getting into the squad and starting in France this summer. Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Jaedyn Shaw were obvious inclusions.
Catarina Macário is also included — as a midfielder who can also play as a striker. Hayes clearly likes Macario, who she signed when he was still manager of Chelsea in England.
Hayes also included Dunn, who spent most of his USWNT career playing as a defender, but he can Play anywhere in midfield or as a winger.
Versatility is especially valuable in the Olympics. The 18 players can only be replaced by substitutes permanently in case of injury. Dunn, although listed as a forward, essentially gives the USWNT depth at seven different positions. Emily Sonnett, likewise, will play as a reserve defender, reserve defender and reserve midfielder. Krueger can play as a defender or even as a wing defender in a line of three.
Morgan, on the other hand, can only play one position – a position that Smith, Swanson and Macario can generally play better.
And so, for the first time since 2008, the USWNT will go to a major tournament without her.
Hayes’ Other Notable Casting Decisions
Perhaps the most notable exclusion other than Morgan was Lily Yohannes, the 17-year-old midfielder who made waves with her passing and a goal on her debut earlier this month.
But Yohannes was always a long shot. She only played 20 minutes for the USWNT. Hayes likely felt comfortable with the depth offered by Dunn and Sonnett. She also apparently felt comfortable with Korbin Albert—despite the transphobic social media activity she continues to harass Albert, and will continue to pursue her until she addresses the issue publicly.
Yohannes will also not be an alternative, probably because he has not fully committed to representing the US at the international level. She could also be eligible to represent the Netherlands and has not yet made a decision between the two.
More broadly, the biggest question mark on the squad is the defender. Naomi Girma and Tierna Davidson are the starters. However, there is only one other player among the 18 and substitutes – Sonnett – who has any experience of playing the position. It is unclear what Hayes’ alternative plan would be in the event of injuries or yellow card suspensions.
