Olympics-Morgan left out of U.S. soccer squad, likely ending international career
FILE PHOTO: Jun 15, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; San Diego Wave FC forward Alex Morgan (13) before the match against the Washington Spirit at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
(Reuters) - Alex Morgan, one of the last links to the great U.S. women's soccer team dynasty, was left out of the Paris U.S. Olympic squad on Wednesday, likely signalling the end of her international career.
It will be the first time since the 2008 Olympics that forward Morgan will not suit up for the U.S. in a major competition.
Recovering from an ankle injury, the 34-year-old had been fighting for fitness but the twice World Cup winner has had limited playing time with her NWSL club the San Diego Wave and has no goals and just one assist from eight games.
"Today, I'm disappointed about not having the opportunity to represent my country on the Olympic stage," posted Morgan on social media. "This will always be a tournament that is close to my heart and I take immense pride an 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."
With only 18 roster spots for the Olympics, coach Emma Hayes was forced into tough decisions.
Even without Morgan, the U.S. will not lack for experience with eight players back from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where they won bronze.
"Making an Olympic roster is a huge privilege and an honour and there is no denying that it was an extremely competitive process among the players and that there were difficult choices, said Hayes in a statement.
The U.S. head to Paris eager to move past their worst-ever World Cup campaign last year when they exited in the round of 16.
(Reporting by Steve Keating in Toronto, Editing by Ed Osmond)