End of An Era: Alex Morgan Left Off Olympic Roster
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News of the U.S. Olympic Women's Soccer Team roster shocked fans and athletes when Alex Morgan, one of the sport's most prized players, was left off.
With a problematic 2021 Olympic appearance and a disappointing 2023 World Cup appearance, the new head coach, Emma Hayes, decided it was time to change the U.S. Women’s roster. In preparation for the Paris Olympics, she wanted to focus on balancing veteran players with younger, talented players. The Olympics' limited roster size made the decision difficult.
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While the World Cup and most other tournaments have a 23-player roster, the Olympics limited the roster size to only 18 players - 2 goalies and 16 outfield players, with a handful of reserve players. While looking for athletes who would contribute to the overall success of the women’s team at the Olympics, Hayes felt it was essential to have a team that was adaptable and flexible in playability. She spoke at a press conference on Wednesday morning after announcing the roster.
“I hope over a 17-day period, having a roster that could adapt is essential. ... Having players on the roster that could play more than one position mattered with squad depth.”
This meant that Alex Morgan took the cut. Despite the setback, Morgan took to social media to share her feelings about being left off the roster.
The star player's absence will be keenly felt on the Olympic field this summer, and we are left to grapple with the end of the Alex Morgan Olympic era, a decision that carries significant weight in the world of women's soccer.
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As a highly decorated female soccer player, Alex Morgan has left an indelible mark on the sport. She has appeared in three Olympic Games, including winning a gold medal in the 2012 London Games and bronze in the 2021 Tokyo Games. She’s also been to four World Cups, winning two titles in 2015 and 2019. This will be the USWNT’s (United States Women’s National Team) first major tournament without her since 2008, underscoring the magnitude of her absence.
With 244 game appearances, which rank as the 9th most in the USWNT's history, and 148 international goals, placing her 5th in USWNT history and making her the leading active U.S. player, Alex Morgan's talent and prowess on the soccer field are unquestionable.
Even though she was not selected for the Olympic Team, the soon-to-be 35-year-old continues to exhibit her remarkable skills. She is currently a key player for the San Diego Wave and is set to make significant contributions to the team during the upcoming WMSL season.
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In addition to being a talented soccer player, Alex is also a mom to a 4-year-old daughter named Charlie. She is a fierce advocate for equality and reform, fighting hard to make changes for women in sports and athletics. This includes advocating for equal pay for women in all friendly games and tournaments, including the World Cup. In February 2023, Alex broke the USWNT record for most goals scored as a mom. In March of the same year, she founded The Alex Morgan Foundation, which works to create equity and opportunity on and off the field.
Morgan's impact, both on and off the field, will be sorely missed during the upcoming Paris Games this summer. Her leadership, skill, and influence have been crucial to the team's success, and her absence will undoubtedly be felt by players, coaches, and fans alike.