American soccer icon Alex Morgan has expressed her disappointment after being surprisingly omitted from the US women's Olympic team roster. The decision sparked shock and disappointment among fans and soccer enthusiasts alike.
American soccer star Alex Morgan's hopes of representing her country at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics have been dashed after she was left off the 18-player roster announced on Wednesday. The decision, which came as a shock to many, was met with disappointment from Morgan and her legion of fans.
Alex Morgan's Olympic Dream Dashed: Star Forward Left Off Roster
Morgan, who turns 35 next week, took to social media to express her feelings about the snub. "Today, I'm disappointed about not having the opportunity to represent our country on the Olympic stage," she wrote on Instagram. "This will always be a tournament that is close to my heart, and I take immense pride any time I put on the crest."
Despite Morgan's impressive track record, including two Olympic gold medals and a World Cup title, head coach Emma Hayes opted to leave her off the team. The roster includes eight players who competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where Team USA earned the bronze medal.
Alex Morgan's Olympic Dream Dashed: Star Forward Left Off Roster
Hayes cited the "extremely competitive process" and the difficult choices involved in selecting the roster. "Choosing an 18-player roster plus alternates involved many considerations," she said in a statement. "But I am excited for the group we have selected, and I'm looking forward to building on the work from last camp."
Morgan's omission has sparked speculation about the reasons behind the decision. Some observers have suggested that her age and recent injury history may have played a role. Morgan missed more than a month with the San Diego Wave after injuring her left ankle in April and sat out a match last weekend with an excused absence.
Alex Morgan's Olympic Dream Dashed: Star Forward Left Off Roster
Despite her personal disappointment, Morgan pledged her support for the team. "In less than a month, I look forward to supporting this team and cheering them on alongside the rest of our country," she wrote. "LFG."
The United States has won four Olympic gold medals in women's soccer, more than any other nation. However, they have not won gold since the 2012 London Games. The team's recent performance has been underwhelming, with the US falling to No. 5 in the latest FIFA rankings, their lowest ranking ever.
Morgan's absence from the Olympic roster is a significant blow to Team USA's hopes of regaining the gold medal. Her experience and leadership would have been invaluable, but the team will now have to rally around her and other key players to make a strong showing in Tokyo.
