The Paris Olympics is set to kick off in a few short weeks and newly appointed USWNT manager Emma Hayes has dropped her 18-player roster for the tournament.
Biggest Shocks
While Hayes opted to bring back 10 of the players that played in last summer’s Women’s World Cup, there is one player that was left off the roster that had many USWNT fans stunned. Alex Morgan, who has been a main stay in the USWNT for three Olympic cycles, was left off of Hayes’ 18-player roster and did not even make the squad as an alternate. While many fans were left speechless by the decision, Hayes is proving that she is her to revamp and reinvigorate a squad that was once truly untouchable. Morgan is on the heels of her 35th birthday and while age is just a number, it proves that Hayes’ sites are set on the wealth of young talent for the USWNT.
Morgan’s missing name on the roster is not completely perplexing, but Crystal Dunn’s listing as a forward does leave many USWNT fans and experts puzzled. Dunn is arguably one of the most powerful defenders in the USWNT pool but is not necessarily known as a forward in her current form. Was she added to pad the offense’s defensive tactics? Is she going to be used in more of an attacking role?
New Faces Set to Shine
After a tumultous 2023, the USWNT is looking to revamp their squad with their young talent. Players like Jenna Nighswonger, Sam Coffey, Jaedyn Shaw, and Korbin Albert are makin their first major tournament rosters, which is ushering in a new era of the USWNT. However, Albert was arguably one of the most controversial moves by Hayes after a series of social media activity that went against the messaging and beliefs of the USWNT. While this drama played out off the field, Albert continued to prove that she is a rising star for the squad and ultimately earned her spot in the line up. Jaedyn Shaw burst onto the scene in late 2023/early 2024 scoring goals in her first caps and becoming one of the bright young stars Hayes will need to lean on in this tournament.
Returning from Injury
The 2023 World Cup was truly an utter disappointment for USWNT fans and players, but the Olympics is looking far brighter when it comes to returning talent. After suffering a serious knee injury in the lead up to the World Cup, Mallory Swanson has made her return to the NWSL and USWNT in full force. Her presence was certainly missed down under and her return to the national team is certainly needed.
Once thought to be the next big star of the USWNT, Catarina Macario is finally returning to the squad after struggling with an ACL injury for the past few seasons. Her presence in the midfield alongside fellow midfield powerhouse Lindsey Horan could be the winning equation for the USWNT.
The Alternate Situation
New faces and the old guard highlight the alternates for the tournament. Lynn Williams, despite her current NWSL form and experience with the national team will represent the stars and stripes on a different level this tournament. While many USWNT believe she is misunderstood and under utilized, having her as an alternate could actually prove to be a positive look for the stars and stripes that brings a wealth of experience as a starter and player off the bench.
New faces Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt also sit as an alternate but are proving just how deep this USWNT pool is. Bethune and Hershfelt are having truly outstanding seasons with the Spirit but with limited international experience it makes sense why they are on call to replace more experienced players.
The Roster
Goalkeepers: Alyssa Naeher, Casey Murphy
Defenders: Emily Sonnet, Casey Krueger, Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Fox, Tierna Davidson, Naomi Girma
Midfielders: Lindsey Horan, Korbin Albert, Rose Lavelle, Sam Coffey, Catarina Macario
Forwards: Crystal Dunn, Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, Jaedyn Shaw
The USWNT’s Olympic Campaign is slated to kick off on July 16th against Zambia. Make sure you’re prepped for the tournament with all things USWNT from SoccerPro!
