USWNT Adds Alex Morgan to Gold Cup Roster

In an unexpected turn of events, Alex Morgan, a seasoned veteran of the US women’s national team, has been called up to join the roster for the 2024 CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup. This decision comes after Mia Fishel, a promising talent, sustained a serious injury during training, forcing her to withdraw from the tournament, as announced by US Soccer on Tuesday.

Fishel’s unfortunate injury, a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee, occurred during Monday’s training session, creating an opportunity for Morgan to step in and contribute to the team’s campaign. The loss of Fishel, a rising star, is undoubtedly a setback for the team, but Morgan’s inclusion brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the squad.

Morgan will be available for selection when the US team kicks off their tournament against the Dominican Republic at 04:15 CET on Wednesday. Her presence on the roster adds depth and versatility to the team’s attacking options, providing interim head coach Twila Kilgore with valuable tactical flexibility.

Interim head coach Twila Kilgore expressed gratitude for the addition of Morgan to the squad, highlighting her impressive track record and dedication to training with the NWSL’s San Diego Wave during the preseason. Kilgore emphasized Morgan’s readiness to make a significant impact in the upcoming tournament. The veteran forward’s experience and goal-scoring prowess make her a valuable asset to the team as they aim to navigate through the challenges of the Gold Cup.

The decision to include Morgan on the roster comes after initial speculation surrounding her absence from the team’s roster announcement two weeks prior. This omission sparked questions about Morgan’s potential involvement in the Paris Olympics later this year. While her absence from the initial roster raised eyebrows, Morgan’s inclusion demonstrates the coaching staff’s confidence in her ability to contribute positively to the team’s success.

Morgan, renowned for her ability to deliver crucial goals on the grandest stages, has been a linchpin of success for the US women’s team, contributing to their triumphs in two FIFA World Cup tournaments (2015, 2019) and an Olympic gold medal in 2012. Her leadership on and off the field will be invaluable to the team as they strive for success in the Gold Cup.

With an impressive tally of 215 caps and 121 career international goals, Morgan holds a prominent position as the fifth-highest scorer in the history of the US women’s national team. Her experience and goal-scoring prowess make her a valuable asset to the squad as they aim to navigate through the challenges of the Gold Cup.

Following their opening match, the USWNT is scheduled to face Argentina on Friday before concluding the group stage with a fixture against Mexico on Monday. The tournament format dictates that the top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage, adding further significance to each match in the group stage.

Overall, Morgan’s inclusion brings a sense of stability and confidence to the USWNT roster, bolstering their chances of success in the Gold Cup. As the team prepares to embark on their campaign, they will look to Morgan’s leadership and experience to guide them through the challenges ahead.