Is the Next USWNT Generation Up to the Task?
Inside new manager Emma Hayes' first major tournament roster—the surprise selections and snubs, off-the-field offenses, and on-the-field strengths.
This is Part Three of the Soccer Freaks’ fan guide for the women’s soccer tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Click here to start from the beginning.
The Olympics roster is limited to just 18 official spots (and four alternates), as compared to the 23 spots on World Cup rosters. This diminished size makes the selection process even more strategic, cut-throat, and down-right heart-breaking. When interviewed by retired USWNT star Sam Mewis, Hayes listed versatility, the right mix of veteran experience and young blood, and fit within a sophisticated and flexible tactical system as some of the main criteria she used when selecting this roster. Listen to the full The Women’s Game podcast episode here!
Hearing that, it’s no surprise that veteran players Crystal Dunn and Emily Sonnett—two players who aren’t expected to start at any position but are reliable, impactful substitutes at multiple positions—were selected for this squad.
What might be a surprise (especially if you haven’t been following the USWNT closely since the World Cup) is that household name and talis(wo)man of the USWNT for over a decade, Alex Morgan, was left off the roster for this tournament. This marks the first major tournament the 35-year-old will miss since 2008. While the exact reasons haven’t been shared, the common understanding is that Morgan’s form at the club level for her NWSL team the San Diego Wave (zero goals all season), her lack of versatility in both position and style of play, and potential for distracting, Ronaldo-level speculation around playing time, are all reasons she won’t be going to Paris this summer.
Changing of the Guard
Morgan’s absence along with that of former USWNT captain Becky Sauerbrunn (also not selected) and Megan Rapinoe (retired) represents a major shift toward the next generation of talent on the field. It’s also a shift in leadership off of it. The list of ways that these three players along with other veterans who aren’t on this roster and a few current players have advocated for meaningful, positive change is longer than would fit in a skimmable guide, but to remind you of a few:
Morgan, Sauerbrunn, and Rapinoe were three of the five players who filed the federal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2016 to start the six year court battle that eventually achieved Equal Pay.
Rapinoe was among the first high-profile white athletes to take a knee during the national anthem, in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick.
Morgan used her resources to help Mana Shim blow the whistle on abuse and cover ups in the NWSL.
In her spare time Sauerbrunn is writing op-eds advocating for trans athletes.
Rapinoe famously said this ahead of the 2019 World Cup, before iconically doing all of this in the tournament and winning the Golden Boot and Golden Ball.
The question now becomes, what will the next generation of players stand for?
The Korbin Albert of it All
The first big test came when newly capped bubble player and relative nobody Korbin Albert was exposed for liking and sharing a string of homophobic and transphobic posts on her TikTok. Most notably, one of these posts mocked USWNT and LGBTQ icon Megan Rapinoe for tearing her Achilles tendon during her final NWSL game, implying that her injury was a punishment from God. To add insult to injury (pun intended), Korbin had previously been given Megan’s number on the USWNT, #15.
If you want to take a deep dive into the saga and read some thoughtful commentary on the state of LGBTQ rights in women's sports, check out “When Pride Meets Prejudice” in Power Plays by Lindsay Gibbs.
Here’s a quick recap:
Rapinoe called out Albert on social media, and was met with a swell of support by the women’s soccer community at large, including her former USWNT teammates, a few who are currently on the squad.
Albert then issued a lackluster social media apology in which she (or more likely her PR team) said she believed that, “everyone should feel safe and respected everywhere and on all playing fields,” yet neglected to denounce or correct the violent views she previously shared.
The only official response from the USWNT directly came in a statement from Morgan and captain Lindsey Horan (prior to Hayes’ arrival) in which they said Albert’s comments were “disappointing,” didn’t uphold the standard they have for the USWNT, and would be dealt with internally.
Albert continued to be called up to the team, play in games (while getting booed by fans), and then, much to the disappointment of USWNT fans everywhere, was ultimately selected for the 2024 Olympics roster.
For anyone who hasn’t been to an Angel City game (or any NWSL game for that matter), it’s a critical reminder that women’s soccer is the house that LGBTQ+ people built. The decision to include Albert in the roster as an unproven bubble player without public resolution to this incident, was a slap in the face for many USWNT fans. Hayes got her first check in the “NOPE!” column when she defended her decision to include Albert on the roster, saying Albert “had a really, really tough time” due to the criticism she faced, and called her a “lovely person” who is “spending time working on herself.”
USWNT star Trinity Rodman contributed her own disappointing response when she was quoted in Vanity Fair showing support for Albert, saying, “she’s on the US Women’s National Team and we’re going to be her teammates and support her. When she comes on the field, she’s just like everybody else wearing that number and playing for our country, and she’s working her butt off to do so.”
While Hayes and team leaders try to sweep this incident under the rug, other important voices and former players are speaking out. In addition to Rapinoe’s initial characteristically cunning response, former USWNT players Sam Mewis, Christen Press, and Tobin Heath have all publicly expressed their dissatisfaction with the USWNT’s collective reaction. In an episode of her podcast, The Women’s Game, Mewis said, “Some players and even head coach Emma Hayes have addressed this issue, maybe even suggesting an opportunity for us all to accept and move on. I believe that people should be given an opportunity to change and grow. There are endless opportunities to demonstrate this growth to the community that has been hurt. The actions that were a problem were out in the open. And so to some extent, the growth should be out in the open as well, and I think that that is what’s missing from this equation right now.”
Press weighed in on her podcast with Heath, The RE-CAP Show, as well: “The US women’s national team has stood for re-imagination, progress, equity, change, equality, inclusion, diversity, all the things. We haven't always got it right, we certainly haven't, but at our best we tried. And as the team changes what the team represents will change unless those values are protected.”
Meanwhile bonafide USWNT legend and all-time leading goalscorer Abby Wombach let her wife and podcast co-host, author and activist Glennon Doyle, do the talking. Doyle thoughtfully unpacked some of the larger issues at play within Korbin Albert Gate on a recent episode of their podcast We Can Do Hard Things.
The choice to handle this incident internally but protect Korbin Albert publicly, isn’t just disappointing because it's a departure from the vocal advocacy we’ve come to expect. It’s a betrayal to the LGTBQ+ community who have long considered the USWNT a safe haven in sports. It’s a devastating loss in a world where “protecting women’s sports” is used as a veil to attack trans kids.
To put it plainly, Hayes and the leaders on this team need to do better. As fans, we can and must continue to expect more. Sweeping this or any other future incidents under the rug is not an option.
Okay, Ladies (and They/Thems) Now Let’s Get In Formation
Okay, deep breath! Now, let’s meet the players who made the roster. Here’s a snapshot at what to look for in their performances on the field, and their star quality off of it.
Roster Overview
This USWNT is so Gen Z they’re making TikToks at team dinners. This roster is the youngest (with an average age of 26.8 as compared to 30.8 in 2020) and least experienced (58 average caps* as compared to 111 in 2020) USWNT team in recent Olympics history, but it’s still dripping with talent, chemistry, and ambition. Considering the program’s focus on rebuilding for the long-term, it’s exciting to see Hayes back such a young group and give them opportunities they will need to become the next great players for this team.
A small detail about the roster to be aware of! Unlike in other tournaments, players at the Olympics are limited to wearing jersey numbers 1-18. As such, you’ll notice some players, like Crystal Dunn and Emily Fox, for example, wearing different numbers from their typical USWNT numbers for this specific tournament.
* Indicates first-time Olympian
Forwards
In a devastating blow leading up to the 2023 World Cup, the USWNT lost offensive powerhouse Mallory Swanson to a torn patella tendon injury, right when she was in the form of her life. But much to the delight of redemption story lovers everywhere, Swanson is back and better than ever, with 7 goals on the NWSL season for the Chicago Red Stars so far, and squarely in the Golden Boot race. Along with Swanson’s fellow starters up-top, Sophia Smith (10 goals, 6 assists for the Portland Thorns) and Trinity Rodman (5 goals, 4 assists for the Washington Spirit) this is a punishingly dangerous trio that’s very fun to watch. But wait, there’s more! We’re coming to this tournament with a ridiculous amount of attacking depth, composed of the USWNT’s first ever all-Black frontline.
Mallory Swanson #9, Chicago Red Stars (NWSL)
Age: 26
Hometown: Littleton, Colorado
Look for: Her to dribble the length of the field past defenders as if they’re not even there.
Star quality: Fits that are (mostly) a slay
Trinity Rodman #5, Washington Spirit (NWSL)*
Age: 22
Hometown: Newport Beach, CA
Look for: Her to do her signature “Trin Spin” where she lure’s defenders in for a backwards meg.
Star quality: Finding her own bold style outside of Dennis’s shadow (her problematic father), her tooth gem, Gel X Nails, and TikTok dances (even some with fans!)
Sophia Smith #11, Portland Thorns (NWSL)*
Age: 23
Hometown: Windsor, CO
Look for: Her speed and strength on the ball and incisive finishing with both feet.
Star quality: Her hair journey! Bun? Bubble braid? Pony? She keeps us guessing from game to game and even half to half!
Jaedyn Shaw #15, San Diego Wave (NWSL)*
Age: 19
Hometown: Frisco, TX
Look for: Her to dominate in the final third with creative passing and finishing prowess.
Star quality: Cover girl style
Crystal Dunn #7, Gotham FC (NWSL)
Age: 32
Hometown: New Hyde Park, NY
Look for: Her to bring leadership and intensity off the bench, often by way of impeccably timed slide tackles.
Star quality: Blue braids, dancing, and being a badass mom.
Lynn Williams #8, Gotham FC (NWSL)
Age: 31
Hometown: Fresno, CA
Look for: Her to use her speed to win the ball back defensively, and run, run, run with it to goal (though sometimes so fast she goes straight out of bounds…)
Star quality: Swinging big for her gameday fits
Note: Lynn Williams was originally included on this roster as an alternate, but has since been called up to replace Catarina Macario, who was ruled out of the tournament with an ongoing knee injury.
Midfielders
The USWNT midfield was the primary source of concern going into the 2023 World Cup, but since then, things have been looking up (Korbin Albert aside). Midfield maestro Rose Lavelle is officially back from injury, and newcomer Sam Coffey has made herself at home in the defensive center-mid role alongside team captain and our #10, Lindsey Horan.
Sam Coffey #17, Portland Thorns (NWSL)*
Age: 25
Hometown: New York, NY
Look for: Always working her tail off to show in the middle for every ball, pointing to her feet with both hands to demand it.
Star quality: Making her tucked-in shirt werk
Lindsey Horan #10, Lyon (Première Ligue)
Age: 30
Hometown: Golden, CO
Look for: Her to show off her grit and tidy little European-style passing. And stepping up in big moments!
Star quality: Coming into her own as the USWNT captain (despite a few growing pains), and her commitment to a good manicure.
Rose Lavelle #16, Gotham FC (NWSL)
Age: 29
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Look for: Her angelic spin moves on the ball, gliding with it on the dribble.
Star quality: Pet bulldog Wilma Jean Wrinkles who inspires fan art.
Korbin Albert #3, Paris Saint Germain (Première Ligue)*
Age: 20
Hometown: Grayslake, IL
Look for: Her to be booed by the crowd whenever she’s on the ball.
Star quality: Nope.
Defenders
Four words: In Girma We Trust! This backline has seen a ton of transition in the last few years, but has recently found its footing anchored by the veteran-in-disguise, 24-year-old center back, Naomi Girma. The reigning U.S. Soccer Player of the Year, Girma has earned the NWSL Defender of the Year title over the last two seasons playing for the San Diego Wave (including in her rookie season in 2022, where she also claimed the Rookie of the Year accolade). She’s expected to be paired with the experienced Tierna Davidson, and flanked by Emily Fox on the right and Jenna Nighswonger on the left.
Naomi Girma #4, San Diego Wave (NWSL)*
Age: 24
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Look for: Her to be totally unfazed as she continuously saves the day seemingly without breaking a sweat. Keep an eye out for her stealth speed and high-quality distribution out of the back.
Star quality: Being a real one who advocates for better mental health and never shies away from telling her story.
Tierna Davidson #12, Gotham FC (NWSL)
Age: 25
Hometown: Menlo Park, CA
Look for: Her to go up on corner kicks and sneak in a goal or two (especially with her head).
Star quality: Holding it down for the gays.
Emily Fox #2, Arsenal (WSL)*
Age: 26
Hometown: Ashburn, VA
Look for: Her to make dangerous overlapping runs out of the back to get into the attack on the right flank.
Star quality: Making the always-cool choice to leave the NWSL to play abroad after last season, and surprising us by having little finger tats! (You can kind of see them here!)
Jenna Nighswonger #13, Gotham FC (NWSL)*
Age: 23
Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA
Look for: Her to send killer crosses into the box from left back (especially off her sweet left foot).
Star quality: Making the starting XI pic all about her.
Casey Krueger #6, Washington Spirit (NWSL)
Age: 33
Hometown: Naperville, IL
Look for: Her to show off masterful one-on-one defensive skill.
Star quality: Being a badass mom and having the most glorious ponytail on the pitch.
Emily Sonnet #14, Gotham FC (NWSL)
Age: 30
Hometown: Marietta, GA
Look for: Disrupting opponents forays forward by expertly reading the play.
Star quality: Being the ultimate Vibes Guy, with elite class clown energy.
Goalies
We can expect to see 36-year-old veteran goalkeeper and 3x Olympian Alyssa Naeher as our #1. This is her second Olympics as the starter, and comes after her dramatic almost-PK-save in the 2023 World Cup knock-out loss to Sweden. If there’s one person you want in goal during tournament play, especially when a PK shootout is looming, it’s Naeher.
Alyssa Naeher #1, Chicago Red Stars (NWSL)
Age: 36
Hometown: Bridgeport, CT
Look for: Her to show up in big moments (seemingly without emotion), especially in PK shootouts— not only in saving them, but in scoring them too!
Star quality: Being so hug-averse her teammates are all dying to give her one, and having stealth swag.
Casey Murphy #18, North Carolina Courage (NWSL)*
Age: 28
Hometown: Bridgewater, NJ
Look for: Her to watch every game from the bench, bringing good vibes in any way she can from the sidelines. She will only play if Naeher suffers an injury.
Star quality: She’s tall as hell!