Alex Morgan overlooked for an Olympics spot AGAIN after USWNT star had to withdraw due to injury

USWNT legend Alex Morgan was once again overlooked for a spot on the roster as the team gears up for the Olympic games in Paris.

The veteran forward's struggles with the national team comes as new head coach Emma Hayes takes the reigns behind predecessor Vlatko Andonovski's departure. 

When an opportunity to install Morgan into the Olympic roster arose, Hayes opted to go the opposite route, leaving the San Diego Wave star in the wilderness. 

'It was a tough decision of course - especially considering Alex's history and record with this team, but I felt I wanted to go in another direction and selected other players,' Hayes declared.

'It's a balanced roster. I've considered all the factors that we're gonna need throughout the Olympics, and it's one that I'm really happy with.' 

The window to recruit Morgan for international duty came when Catarina Macario left training camp due to persistent irritation in her right knee. 

Aside from the established 18-woman roster, Hayes had four alternatives in goalkeeper Jane Campbell, midfielders Hal Hershfelt and Croix Bethune, and forward Lynn Williams. After Macario's withdrawal, Williams was called up to the main roster. 

Meanwhile, Hayes called up Emily Sams as the new alternate - a swap pending approval from the IOC, USOPC, and FIFA. 

Morgan has made 224 appearance and scored 123 goals for the senior national team. 

The forward's decorated career includes two FIFA Women's World Cups, three CONCACAF Women's Championships, and a Women's Gold Cup title. She also won gold with the stars and stripes at the 2012 London games.

Morgan proved her worth with her fourth World Cup appearance in 2023, a goal in the She Believes Cup, and two more in the Women's Gold Cup in February. 

However, with Hayes taking over the program, the team legend may have to sit tight as the former Chelsea coach looks to give way for younger talent.