Image source, Getty Images
United States striker Alex Morgan has been left out of Emma Hayes’ 18-player squad for next month’s Olympic Games in Paris.
Morgan, 34, has appeared at every Olympics for Team USA since Beijing 2008 and won gold at London 2012.
The two-time World Cup winner, who has hit 123 international goals, has not scored in her past eight games for San Diego Wave after recently recovering from an ankle injury.
“Today, I’m disappointed about not having the opportunity to represent my country on the Olympic stage,” Morgan said on social media.
“This will always be a tournament that is close to my heart and I take immense pride any time I put on the crest.
“In less than a month, I look forward to supporting this team and cheering them on alongside the rest of our country.”
Former Chelsea boss Hayes, who will take charge of her first tournament as US manager, has opted for Trinity Rodman, Jaedyn Shaw, Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson as her main forward options.
“I’ve only had one opportunity to work with her in the last camp and I saw first-hand not just her qualities but her professionalism and her record speaks for itself,” Hayes said.
“It’s not easy making a decision when there are only 16 outfield players and two goalkeepers on a roster of 18, so it was a tough decision of course – especially considering Alex’s history and record with this team, but I felt I wanted to go in another direction and selected other players.”
Women’s football in Paris begins on 25 July, with the gold-medal match on 10 August.
The United States, who won bronze at Tokyo 2020, are drawn in Group B where they will face Zambia, Germany and Australia.
Team USA squad
Goalkeepers: Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars).
Defenders: 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: Korbin Albert (PSG), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Lyon), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Catarina Macario (Chelsea).
Forwards: Crystal Dunn (Gotham FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars).