Coach Emma Hayes’ call to leave veteran Alex Morgan out of the Paris Olympic squad baffled many. Morgan expressed distaste at the British coach’s decision, saying she was “disappointed.” Now, however, coach Hayes, her decisions, and the Team USA are beyond any doubts, as the USWNT clinched a record-extending fifth Olympic gold last night. Thanks to the USA’s big win, former Colombian player and ESPN analyst Sebastian Salazar even observed that the USWNT’s forward trio unlocked its true potential in Morgan’s absence.

A bunch of ESPN analysts, including former Team USA olympian Ali Krieger, showered praises on Emma Hayes’ Olympic win with the USWNT, during a recent ESPN FC episode. Soon, Sebastian Salazar was asked to pitch in with his take on the former Chelsea boss’ milestone win. “We got to give Emma Hayes credit for it’s that she was able to kind of turn the page on the generation that won the 2015 the 2019 World Cup,” said Salazar. Indeed, Coach Hayes has done a wonderful job of leading a team in the transition to an Olympic win.

Then, Salazar detailed how Alex Morgan’s snub has actually benefitted Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith, the trio who proposed on a Today show ahead of the final to call them “triple espresso”. “She[Hayes] made the big decision to leave Alex Morgan at home and I got to think that that played a big part in this front three feeling like they could be themselves. And truly take over this team and then ultimately take over this tournament,” Salazar added. Want a proof of that dominance?

Swanson, Smith, and Rodman tallied 10 of the USA’s 12 goals during its six-game Olympic run, and each scored a match-winner in the knockout stage. Take Trinity Thomas, for instance. The 21-year-old had received a lot of attention when the USA set out for the 2023 World Cup. But just like the team, Thomas failed to live up to the expectations. However, this summer, she was in her full glory.

In the quarterfinals against Japan, Rodman’s golden goal in the 105th minute secured the U.S. a berth in the semi-finals. That led teammate Sophia Smith to tell her, “I’m so happy for you.” Rodman’s fireworks were visible from the group stage itself. She sent the ball to the net in against Zambia and Australia. Alongside, the right winger was also instrumental in positioning Smith for a goal against Germany.

On the other hand, Smith proved herself to be the dominant part of the American attack. Among her three goals, the first two came against Germany in the group stage as the USA bulldozed its biggest opponent, 4-1. However, the most important and standout one came in the rematch against Germany in the semis. The striker lifted the ball over the brilliant German goalkeeper Ann Katrin-Berger to take the American side to the final. In that gold-medal match, the finishing touch to these two’s jobs was given by Swanson.

Mallory Swanson has the highest direct goal involvements in the tournament. The Chicago Red Stars forward’s four goals and two assists in just six games played an instrumental role in the USA’s triumph. And she probably scored the most important goal that made the come back to the top of the world after a disastrous crash at the 2023 World Cup from the round of 16. In the final, Swanson had a narrow opening through Brazil’s defense as Kobin Alber slipped a perfect pass.

Swanson was in no mood to let it go. She set herself to start her run and put the ball in the bottom corner to score that ever-important winner. The trio not only won a gold for the country but also put an end to the debate that started after Alex Morgan was left off. However, it was not completely unfounded. And a comment from Hayes might make things look logical.

“I’ve come from a club level and what I have learned is the best development is done at club level. So go back to your clubs, play, compete, get healthy, and put yourself in the best possible place,” Hayes said at her first media availability in May in New York City. Morgan has struggled significantly in this area in recent times.

Since the USA’s elimination from the World Cup, Morgan has struggled to get back her vintage form. While her club San Diego Waves is struggling, one would naturally expect a player of Morgan’s caliber to score. But midway through the season, Morgan has yet to net the ball in 2024. Making things even more alarming, this stat comes out after logging 600 minutes. Her taking on the opponent with the dribbles are also on the decline, making just three take-ons in 542 minutes this season against 35 in 1,630 minutes last year. One more issue is there.

It is Morgan’s lack of versatility. Morgan is an expert striker but at the cost of a lack of experience in other positions. Taking all these together, Hayes’ call might seem a tough but necessary shake-up. Considering that, Salazar even branded coach Hayes as the best in the world. While doing so, he opined that the former Chelsea boss had reclaimed the throne for the USWNT, when everybody thought the team would go into oblivion after the 2023 World Cup exit.

Emma Hayes has reignited the USWNT’s will to compete, says Salazar

While the 2023 World Cup was surely Megan Rapinoe’s last, Alex Morgan had then claimed that she has yet to mull over retiring from the USWNT. Hence, many thought it would be Morgan’s World Cup in 2023. What happened back then is nothing but forgetful history for the USWNT and the San Diego Wave star. The 35-year-old has not been USWNT’s prime focus ever since the dismal World Cup. Let alone Morgan, some even wondered if the USWNT would continue to enjoy the same spotlight in the coming decade.

But Emma Hayes has proved them wrong, against all odds. “I think we can safely say now the US is going to be back to competing. And a year ago when they went out in the round of 16 to Sweden. I don’t think we knew that we were going to be able to say that for the next decade,” Sebastian Salazar said.

Anyhow, the current USWNT is far from being on the same level as Morgan and Rapinoe’s generation. In fact, this young team has just embarked on what could be a similar journey to this Olympic win. Now that the first step of that journey is complete, it’s time for Hayes and Co. to set sights on the 2027 World Cup and wholly reclaim the world. And guess what, skipper Lindsey Horan is already confident of her young teammates’ potential for the upcoming world championship.