Why USWNT coach Emma Hayes says she left Alex Morgan off Olympic roster

U.S. women's national team coach Emma Hayes spoke on Wednesday after the roster was announced for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Forward Alex Morgan was not one of the 18 players named to the squad, which Hayes addressed at the top of her conference call with reporters.

“First off, I want to talk about what an amazing player and human that Alex Morgan has been. I've only had one opportunity to work with her in the last camp and saw firsthand not just her qualities but her professionalism. Her record speaks for itself,” Hayes said of Morgan, who was also not asked to be an alternate.

“It was not easy making a decision. There are 16 outfield players and two goalkeepers on a roster of 18. It was a tough decision, especially considering Alex’s record and history with this team. I felt wanted to go in another direction and selected other players.”

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Hayes emphasized versatility was a huge factor in the roster decisions. She also said a few times on the call that younger players need to get experience.

“The biggest factor is 16 outfield players. To play a lot of games, arguably, I hope over a 17-day period, having a roster that could adapt is essential. Have tight turnaround between games. Having players on the roster that could play more than one position mattered with squad depth. I also think the players on the roster, in the forward areas, that are performing well. The decision to take those players was one that we certainly deliberated over.”

USWNT roster for Paris Olympics

Here is the USWNT roster for the Paris Olympics. International caps and goals are in parenthesis.

Goalkeepers (2): Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage; 19), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars; 104)

Defenders (6): Tierna Davidson (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 58/3), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 49/1), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC; 32/0), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit; 49/0), Jenna Nighswonger (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 9/2), Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 91/2)

Midfielders (5): Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA; 11/0), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC; 17/1), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA; 148/35), Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 100/24), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC, ENG; 19/8)

Forwards (5): Crystal Dunn (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 147/25), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit; 38/7), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave FC; 14/7), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC; 48/19), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars; 92/34)

What Alex Morgan said about being left off USWNT roster

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

How many Olympics has Alex Morgan been to?

Morgan has participated in three Olympics: the 2012 games in London, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro and the 2020 games in Tokyo.

How many goals has Alex Morgan scored?

Alex Morgan has made 224 appearances for the U.S. women's national team, scoring 123 goals and recording 53 assists. She earned her first cap March 31, 2010, in an international friendly against Mexico, a 1-0 U.S. victory. She has been a part of four World Cup rosters.

Morgan scored her first USWNT goal Oct. 6, 2010, in an international friendly against China, an eventual 1-1 draw. Morgan also served as the co-captain of the USWNT from 2018 through 2020.

She became the 13th player in USWNT history to reach 200 caps in a November 2022 match against Germany. She is the active leading USWNT goal scorer and fifth on the all-time list.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why USWNT coach Emma Hayes left Alex Morgan off Olympic roster