For the first time in 16 years, a forward for the U.S. women’s national soccer team has been left off the roster for a major tournament. The coach made the decision to exclude the forward from the 18-player roster for the upcoming Olympics. This means that the team will be without a previous gold medal winner. The coach stated that it was a difficult decision but wanted to go in another direction and selected other players. The forward expressed disappointment but promised to support the team. The coach did not provide specific reasons for the decision but highlighted the forward’s qualities and professionalism. The forward’s recent club performance may have impacted her chances. She had a strong season in 2022 but has struggled to score in 2024. The coach emphasized the importance of performance and form in her decision-making process. The coach also mentioned the focus on balancing younger players and veterans in the roster. The current roster has a younger average age compared to the previous Olympics. The coach aims to develop the less-experienced players for the team’s long-term success.
