Members of the U.S. Women's National Team salute fans after their win against South Korea during an international friendly soccer match at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, Saturday, June 1, 2024. (AP Photo/David Zarbowski)
With the 2024 Summer Olympics just around the corner, it's a good time to get to know the players who will represent the United States in soccer. Both men's and women's teams will compete in the Olympics, but this article will focus on the roster of players who will play on the women's team. An article on the men's team has been published and you can read it by clicking the link below.
The U.S. will compete in Group B at the Olympics with Germany, Zambia and Australia. The top two teams in the group will automatically advance to the knockout stage of the tournament, as will the top two third-place finishers.
The U.S. is seeking its first gold medal at the Games since London 2012. They lost in the quarterfinals to Sweden in 2016 and to Canada in the semifinals in 2021. This Olympics marks Emma Hayes' first official match as head coach of the U.S. women's national team, marking the beginning of a new era for the team.
U.S. Women's Olympic Team
New head coach Emma Hayes has selected 18 players to compete in the tournament, including:
Goalkeeper – Casey Murphy (University of North Carolina College), Alyssa Naher (Chicago Red Stars)
Defender – Tierna Davidson (NJ/NY Gotham), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Casey Kruger (Washington Spirit), Jenna Nyswonger (NJ/NY Gotham), Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham)
Midfielder – Corbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyonnais), Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham), Catalina Macario (Chelsea)
Forwards – Crystal Dunn (NJ/NY Gotham), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars)
There is no Alex Morgan At this Olympics
Looking at the squad, the biggest realization is that Alex Morgan was not included in the group Emma Hayes selected. Morgan is one of the best players in the history of the U.S. Women's National Team, appearing in 224 games and scoring 123 goals for the national team. She was an integral part of the success of the U.S. Women's National Team during her time with the national team, but it seems that new coach Emma Hayes wants to go in a different direction.
After not being selected, Morgan took to social media to say:
“Today, I regret not having had the opportunity to represent my country on the Olympic stage. This tournament has always been dear to me and every time I wear the crest I feel great pride. I look forward to cheering on this team and cheering along with the rest of the country in less than a month. LFG”
Morgan seems to be taking the news well, as she is cheering on fellow fans as the U.S. women's team tries to win its first gold medal since 2012.
USA Women's Olympic Schedule
- Thursday, July 25: USA vs. Zambia, 3 p.m. ET
- Sunday, July 28: USA vs. Germany, 3 p.m. ET
- Wednesday, July 31: Australia vs. USA, 1pm ET
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Featured image credit: AP Photo/David Zalubowski
