Former Chelsea boss Emma Hayes leaves two-time World Cup winner Alex Morgan out of first USWNT squad for Paris Olympics

06/26/2024 12:51 PM

Emma Hayes has bravely left out star striker Alex Morgan for the Paris Olympics in her first USWNT squad.

The ex-Chelsea boss has taken charge of the United States women’s national team following 12 trophy-laden years spent in west London.

Having guided the Blues to five consecutive Women’s Super League titles, she is now aiming for a golden start to her career with the Stars and Stripes.

And she has shown there is no room for sentiment after omitting US legend Morgan from her 18-player roster.

Morgan, who was part of the US squad that won the Olympic gold medal at London 2012, has also lifted two World Cups (2015 and 2019).

With 123 international goals, she sits fifth in America’s all-time top scorer list, while her 224 caps place her ninth in their all-time appearance makers.

But Morgan, who enjoyed a short stint at Tottenham in 2020, has scored just two international goals from nine matches in 2024.

Meanwhile, she is yet to get on the score sheet for American outfit San Diego Wave this season from her nine league outings.

And her form has seen her get omitted by Hayes, with Morgan quick to take to to social media to express her disappointment at missing out on a fifth Olympic Games.

Taking to X, she said: “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.

“In less than a month, I look forward to supporting this team and cheering them on alongside the rest of our country. LFG.”

Hayes’ squad boasts ten players from the USA’s 2023 World Cup roster, with eight players keeping their place from the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Speaking after announcing her team, the 47-year-old remarked: “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, especially considering how hard everyone has worked over the past ten months.

“Choosing an 18-player roster plus alternates involved many considerations.

“But I am excited for the group we have selected and I'm looking forward to building on the work from last camp as we head into the Send-Off matches and then onto France.

“These are great opportunities for us to continue to show the progress we are making."

Hayes will get a closer look at her side when America face Mexico and Costa Rica in their pre-Olympic friendlies in July.