Alex Morgan’s Absence Gives Way To New Era

Wole Opatola

June 27, 2024

Alex Morgan’s absence gives way to new era

Forward Alex Morgan has played in every major US tournament for the last 16 years. (Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

For the first time since 2008, Alex Morgan will not be featured on a major tournament roster for the USWNT.

“It was a tough decision of course, especially considering considering Alex’s history and record with this team,” head coach Emma Hayes said on Wednesday. “But I felt that I wanted to go in another direction.”
Hayes also noted how difficult it was to adhere to the Olympics’ 16 outfield player-limit when explaining her roster cutting process.

Big picture: An Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Cup champion, Morgan’s absence will be most deeply felt in the context of experience and leadership.

“Today, I’m disappointed about not having the opportunity to represent our country on the Olympic stage,” Morgan tweeted after the roster dropped.
“This will always be a tournament that is close to my heart and I take immense pride any time I put on the crest,” she continued. “In less than a month, I look forward to supporting this team and cheering them on alongside the rest of our country. LFG”

“I want to talk about what an amazing player and human Alex Morgan has been,” Hayes underlined in Wednesday’s press conference.

“There are players on the roster in the forward areas performing well, and the decision to take those players was one that we certainly deliberated over, but I think it’s a balanced roster,” she added.
Morgan notched two goals and an assist over nine appearances for the USWNT this year, proving herself a consistent contributor particularly during the team’s Concacaf W Gold Cup win.