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How do you describe Alex Morgan? She’s an icon who has won almost all there is to win in women’s soccer, on top of numerous personal accolades.. Teammates and coaches have praised her to no end. Her former USWNT teammate Ali Krieger said she “transcended soccer.” With her accomplishments, why didn’t Emma Hayes include Morgan in the U.S. Olympic squad?

At the time, the news of her exclusion made waves in the soccer world. But in a recent interview, USWNT manager Emma Hayes delved a little deeper into her bold decision to leave the former Olympic champion and 2-time world champion off the squad.

Speaking to The Women’s Game, Hayes said, “I think I always look through the lens of what we’re trying to achieve, and I always base decisions on not just subjective feelings but also objectively what’s gonna fit best with the game model. What’s gonna you know, help us to get closer to where we were.

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Emma Hayes further added that she had to be strategic in her selections. Versatility was key as the team faced a dense schedule in 2 weeks. “I do think by only having an 18-player roster, meant had to think maybe a bit differently than I would if it was the World Cup,” said Hayes. “I had to factor in, you know, getting that 18 right and having players that could, you know, fit multiple positions if required. So, the decision was taken on that end.

On the contrary, Morgan was a classic No. 9—her game hinged on playing through the middle and receiving service. Ultimately, Morgan’s skill set, albeit impressive, simply didn’t fit in with Hayes’ vision. A vision that involved younger, more fluid players who could adapt to the challenges such a short but intense tournament would bring.

Emma Hayes’ selections proved to be inspired

Alex Morgan, now retired, was part of a generation of American soccer players that redefined the sport in many ways. Heading into the Olympics, Morgan was the only active player from that generation, and looking to make this her last big tournament. In fact, after the squad announcement, she expressed her disappointment in a statement posted to social media, though she bears no ill will towards Emma Hayes.

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What’s your perspective on:

Is Alex Morgan's exclusion a sign of USWNT's necessary evolution or a disrespect to her legacy?

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But ultimately, the USWNT proved that they needed fresh blood, not experience. After a disastrous exit at the 2023 World Cup, they needed to recalibrate. Big time. Change was incoming, and bringing in Emma Hayes marked the first big one. Morgan’s exclusion was the second indication that the USWNT was undergoing a major transformation. And the young squad proved their mettle at the Olympics.

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The Olympics represented the first big chance for Emma Hayes to make her mark with the team, and she had to make it count with the limited roster spots. Hayes said, “We all know Alex has had an incredible career, an incredible impact on this program, and of course no manager enjoys doing those things, but it’s not personal, and I just think about putting together the best squad with the available playing pool.

It’s a decision that the soccer world heavily questioned, but Emma Hayes, sticking to her guns, demonstrated why she’s the woman for the job. Under her tutelage, the USWNT won Olympic gold for the first time since 2012, definitively closing the door on the selection debate. Within a matter of weeks, Hayes showed why she has the golden touch. The USWNT will compete for top honors next at the CONCACAF W Championship in 2026, looking to build on that Olympic success.

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Is Alex Morgan's exclusion a sign of USWNT's necessary evolution or a disrespect to her legacy?

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