No Alex Morgan! USWNT Releases CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup Roster

The USWNT seems all set for its first major tournament of 2024. Interim head coach Twila Kilgore named her 23-player squad for the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup, with the tournament set to kick-start on the 21st of February. On the other hand, Kilgore might have left everyone stunned with her squad selection, as the manager dropped Alex Morgan from their roster. The USWNT will play their opener on the 21st of February, with their opponents yet to be decided.

The tournament will be the team’s first major test following the surprising exit from the round of sixteen during the 2023 World Cup. Kilgore’s side will be without the services of multiple first-team stars with names such as Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz hanging up their boots last year.

USWNT announced the 23-player roster for CONCACAF W Gold Cup

The former World Cup winners have been placed in the group of death, with the side competing against the likes of Argentine and Mexico to secure their spot in the quarter-finals. USWNT is amongst the contenders for the title and would love a fresh start under a new regime. The team took to their official Instagram handle to release the squad for the tournament.

GOALKEEPERS (3): Jane Campbell, Casey Murphy, Alyssa Naeher.

DEFENDERS (8): Alana Cook, Abby Dahlkemper, Tierna Davidson, Crystal Dunn, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Casey Krueger, Jenna Nighswonger.

MIDFIELDERS (6): Korbin Albert, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Olivia Moultrie, Emily Sonnett.

FORWARDS (6): Mia Fishel, Midge Purce, Trinity Rodman, Jaedyn Shaw, Sophia Smith, Lynn Williams.

READ MORE: USWNT’s Exit Meant 2023 Women’s World Cup’s Viewership ‘Fell Off a Cliff’ With 87% Dip From 2019

Morgan’s exclusion might have come off as a big surprise, with the player being a crucial part of the team. However, with the USMNT currently under transition, it seems Kilgore wants to assess all her options. The interim head coach commented on the tournament’s importance, considering the Olympics will also take place this year.

The USWNT added a statement from Kilgore. “Not only is there a trophy on the line, but this is a great opportunity to capitalize on meaningful match opportunities and experience the short turnarounds between games. Which is a rhythm that closely mirrors the Olympic format.”

It seems like the USWNT is ready to put everything on the line heading into the tournament. With some key senior names absent from the squad, the pressure might fall on veterans such as Lindsey Horan and Alyssa Naeher. What do you think of Twila Kilgore’s decision to snub Alex Morgan? Let us know in the comments below.

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