Weeks Before 2016 Olympics Campaign, Alex Morgan Joined Hands With Michael Phelps and Venus Williams for a Social Cause

With just months to go for, one of the biggest tournaments in the history of USWNT, every fan is hoping for the best. A similar story, although heartbreaking, played out in 2016, a year after USWNT won the FIFA World Cup. It was weeks before Alex Morgan and the team had to embark on a new journey to try their best to win the 2016 Olympic gold medal.

The team was loaded at that time with superstars like Carli Lloyd, Samantha Mathews, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Mallory Pugh, and Hope Solo. Before going to Rio, Alex Morgan, along with several other Olympians, decided to be on a goodwill project.

Meanwhile, the team is looking strong this time as well, apart from an injury that couldn’t have come at a more vulnerable time. Mallory Swanson might be out for the rest of the season, leaving the USWNT scrambling for an offensive pillar.

Alex Morgan posed for ‘puppy love’

Just a couple of weeks before the kickoff of the 2016 Rio Olympics, Alex Morgan joined the hands of legendary Olympians like Michael Phelps, Venus Williams, and others to help some adorable puppies get adopted. They posed for pictures with the puppies and help the pooches find new homes.

The athletes teamed up with NBC Universal for its second annual Clear the Shelters campaign. They donned their Olympic-themed kits while having their pictures taken. According to the report at that time by the Daily Mail, all the puppies got adopted in a couple of days.

Read More: San Diego Wave’s Alex Morgan Scores a Brace in NWSL Win as She Reaches Major Milestone in All-Time Stat

The star athletes would then go on to join their camp and try to win glory for the nation. But, this tale ended a bit differently for Alex Morgan and the team. The fans would hope the story plays out a bit differently this time, as the team is chasing a historical feat.

The heartbreak of the 2016 Summer Olympics

The campaign started like a dream for the American soccer team as they remained undefeated and won 2 out of three matches in the group stage. However, this is where the team’s puppy luck ran out. They faced Sweeden in Quarterfinals. The two sides fought hard as the match ended as 1-1 in regular + added playtime.

The teams got ready, and Alex Morgan missed the first penalty. The team could have salvaged it as Sweeden also missed one of their penalty. But, Christen Press missing the last penalty sealed the fate, and they knocked USWNT out and remained medalless.

Do you think USWNT will be able to three-peat? Drop your predictions in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: Alexis Ohanians’ Seven-Word Reaction to Alex Morgan’s Heart-Melting Mama Ring Disclosure