The US women's soccer team unveils the new squad for the Paris Olympics

In a major change for US women's soccer, legendary player Alex Morgan will not be part of the team's roster for the upcoming Paris Olympics. This decision, announced by new coach Emma Hayes, reflects a changing of the guard within the national team. The 22-man roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which includes 18 players and four alternates, has just eight players from the 2020 Olympics and 10 members of the 2023 World Cup squad.

Morgan's absence from the squad highlights the changes within a team that has enjoyed considerable success in recent years. However, the team has struggled in recent tournaments, finishing third at the Tokyo Games and eliminated from the 2023 World Cup in the round of 16. Hayes, who took over after the World Cup, is tasked with ushering in the next generation of Americans. women to meet the high expectations that come with the national team.

Despite his disappointment, Morgan pledged his support for the team. “I'm disappointed today that I didn't get the chance to represent our country on the Olympic stage… In less than a month, I look forward to supporting this team and cheering them on alongside the rest of our country” , he said.

Hayes praised Morgan's contributions to the national team and his illustrious career, but stressed the need for the team to take a new direction. The Paris roster will feature less experienced players, reflecting a focus on development. Hayes acknowledged that regaining the top spot would require hard work and a commitment to developing less experienced players.

The squad includes goalkeepers Casey Murphy and Alyssa Naeher, defenders Tierna Davidson, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Casey Krueger, Jenna Nighswonger and Emily Sonnett, midfielders Korbin Albert, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle and Catarina Macario and forwards Crystal. Dunn, Trinity Rodman, Jaedyn Shaw, Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson. The four substitutes are goalkeeper Jane Campbell, midfielders Hal Hershfelt and Croix Bethune and forward Lynn Williams.

Hayes expressed his satisfaction with the balanced squad, stressing the importance of durability and adaptability given the short change between matches in France. He stressed the need for a squad that adapts, with players capable of playing multiple positions.