The stage appears to be set for the first major tournament of 2024 for a prominent women’s soccer team. The team’s interim head coach, Twila Kilgore, has announced her selection of 23 players for the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup, which is scheduled to commence on February 21st. Kilgore’s choice of squad has raised eyebrows, as she has excluded Alex Morgan from the roster. The team’s first match of the tournament will also take place on February 21st, with the opponent yet to be determined.
This tournament will serve as a significant test for the team, following their unexpected elimination in the round of sixteen during the 2023 World Cup. Kilgore’s team will be without several key players who retired last year, including Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz.
The team, which has previously won the World Cup, has been placed in a challenging group alongside teams like Argentina and Mexico. Their objective is to secure a spot in the quarter-finals. The USWNT is considered one of the contenders for the title and is eager for a fresh start under new leadership. The team announced their tournament squad via their official Instagram account.
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.
Morgan’s exclusion from the squad has come as a surprise, considering her importance to the team. However, with the USMNT currently going through a transitional phase, Kilgore seems keen on evaluating all available options. The interim head coach emphasized the significance of the tournament, especially since the Olympics will also take place this year.
The USWNT shared a statement from Kilgore, who expressed, “Not only is there a trophy at stake, but this is a valuable opportunity to make the most of meaningful matches and experience the quick turnarounds between games, which closely resemble the Olympic format.”
It appears that the USWNT is fully committed to giving their all in this tournament. With the absence of key veteran players in the squad, the pressure may fall on experienced individuals like Lindsey Horan and Alyssa Naeher. What are your thoughts on Twila Kilgore’s decision to exclude Alex Morgan? Share your opinions in the comments section below.