The 2024 Olympics road has officially begun for the USWNT with a bold squad announcement from new coach, Emma Hayes. With less than a month in her new role, Hayes has already made headlines by excluding <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/uswnt-falls-to-lowest-ever-fifa-ranking-despite-unbeaten-run/">Alex Morgan</a>, one of the most iconic figures in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/rise-of-womens-soccer-journey-to-recognition-and-equality-20231228-WST-480110.html">women’s soccer</a>, from the <a href="https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2024/06/emma-hayes-names-uswnt-roster-for-the-2024-paris-olympics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">18-woman squad</a>. This decision is part of a larger strategy that highlights the infusion of young talent. It also demonstrates the coach’s commitment to building a dynamic team capable of competing on the world’s biggest stage.



<h2>Who else didn’t make the cut?</h2>



The exclusion of Alex Morgan, a seasoned striker with three previous Olympic appearances, has been the most talked-about aspect. Everyone knows the 34-year-old for her scoring prowess and leadership on the field. Thus, many expected her to be part of the squad. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/hayes-to-have-higher-expectations-than-her-usmnt-counterpart/">Hayes</a> has chosen a combination of young, adaptable players and seasoned veterans, and her absence signals a change in approach.



The coach explained her decision, stating that trimming the player pool was a challenge, given the wealth of talent available. “It’s not easy making a decision that is only 16 outfield players and two goalkeepers on a roster of 18. It was a tough decision, of course, especially considering Alex’s history and record with this team. But I felt that I wanted to go in another direction selected on the players,” Hayes said.



Another significant exclusion is Becky Sauerbrunn, a veteran defender who has been a cornerstone of the USWNT for years. Instead, Hayes has opted for younger defenders like Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, and Emily Sonnett; all of whom bring a mix of experience and youth. Girma, in particular, is seen as a future star and a key component of the team’s defense moving forward.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240627_WST_513677_Alex-Morgan-Olympic-squad-1200x675_8e7aa2c6.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-513712" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Alex-Morgan-Olympic-squad-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Alex-Morgan-Olympic-squad-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Alex-Morgan-Olympic-squad-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Alex-Morgan-Olympic-squad-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Alex-Morgan-Olympic-squad.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



But one of the more intriguing storylines is the omission of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/lily-yohannes-highlights-next-uswnt-generation-of-stars/">Lily Yohannes</a>, a talented teenager who remains eligible to play for the Netherlands. Hayes acknowledged Yohannes’ potential but noted that the player has not yet committed fully to the USWNT. Yohannes’ future remains a subject of speculation, with fans hoping she will eventually pledge her allegiance to the United States.



<h2>Which players made the cut for the USWNT squad at 2024 Olympics?</h2>



Among the notable inclusions are Catarina Macario and Mallory Swanson, both of whom missed the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/womens-world-cup-tv-schedule/">2023 World Cup</a> due to injuries. Macario, a standout player with unique creative abilities, has been a pivotal part of Chelsea’s success under Hayes. Thus, she could bring her game-changing skills to the Olympic squad. Hayes has high praise for Macario’s game intelligence and versatility, seeing her as a key player who can operate effectively in multiple positions.



Swanson, a dynamic winger, has also earned her spot after a strong comeback. Known for her direct play and goal-scoring ability, Swanson’s inclusion adds depth to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/uswnt-tv-schedule/">USWNT</a>‘s attacking options. Hayes highlighted Swanson’s mature approach and intelligent movement, which will be crucial for the team’s success in Paris.



While some veterans were left out, Alyssa Naeher, the 36-year-old goalkeeper, has secured her place on the team. Naeher’s experience and penalty shootout heroics make her a valuable asset as the team heads into the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/olympics-soccer-schedule-and-tv-guide/">Olympics</a>. Hayes’ decision to include Naeher speaks to the goalkeeper’s continued reliability and the importance of having a seasoned presence in goal.



Jenna Nighswonger has emerged as the go-to left-back, filling a spot previously held by Crystal Dunn, who is now listed as a forward. Nighswonger’s rapid development and consistent performances have earned her a starting position, highlighting her potential to shine on the Olympic stage. Korbin Albert, another young talent, has also made the cut despite some off-field challenges earlier in the year. Hayes praised Albert’s resilience and ability to play multiple midfield roles, making her a valuable addition to the squad.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

USWNT reveal Olympics squad: Morgan and Yohannes out

The road to the 2024 Olympics has officially begun for the USWNT with a bold squad announcement from their new head coach, Emma Hayes.

The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/uswnt-tv-schedule/">United States women’s national team</a> collected their second victory in as many matches Tuesday night. Both wins, by a combined score of 7-0, came against South Korea with new manager Emma Hayes at the helm. Tuesday’s triumph was capped off with a goal from 16-year-old phenom Lily Yohannes.



The midfielder entered the fray as a substitute in the 72nd minute. With less than 10 minutes remaining in the fixture, a low cross sent into the box somehow made it to Yohannes. The youngster made no mistake of the opportunity and placed her shot into the back of the net. Yohannes became the third-youngest scorer in USWMNT history with a late goal.



“It’s a dream come true, really,” Yohannes <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40281398/lily-yohannes-16-nets-first-goal-uswnt-win-south-korea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated</a> after the game. “I played this scenario out in my head like how many times before this game? Just having the idea of coming on and scoring.”



Hayes heaped praise on the teen following the victory as well. “She doesn’t look like a 16-year-old,” proclaimed the manager. “She knows what I think about her. I’ve really pushed and wanted her in this squad.”



<h2>Hayes starts with Yohannes for youth success among USWNT</h2>



Yohannes was born in the United States but ultimately moved to the Netherlands at the age of 10. Five years later, the highly-rated prospect officially signed a deal with Dutch powerhouse Ajax. The teen then became the youngster player to ever start a UEFA Women’s Champions League match back in November.



Although she has now made an appearance for the USWNT, Yohannes is also eligible to play for the Netherlands as well. She previously attended a camp with the Dutch under-19 team. Hayes and the rest of American soccer fans will hope that the teen sticks with the United States for the future.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240605_WST_510328_Lily-Yohannes-USWNT-1200x670_d3730a9e.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-510357" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Lily-Yohannes-USWNT-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Lily-Yohannes-USWNT-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Lily-Yohannes-USWNT-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Lily-Yohannes-USWNT.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Yohannes, however, is not the only rising star in the USWNT squad. Along with the midfielder, Trinity Rodman, Jaedyn Shaw, and Korbin Albert are leading the next wave of exciting talent for the Americans. Rodman, the oldest of the quartet, has already cemented her place in the national team. Despite being just 22, the forward has racked up 38 total USWNT caps, scoring seven goals in these appearances.



The versatile Shaw has also made an impressive impact on the senior national side. The now-19-year-old midfielder/forward has netted seven goals in 14 matches with Hayes’ new team. Albert, 20, brings stability to the middle of the pitch as well. The midfielder previously departed Notre Dame University to sign on with Paris Saint-Germain in early 2023.



<h2>USWNT has two more friendlies before Olympics begin</h2>



Following their immensely disappointing 2023 Women’s World Cup, the USWNT is looking for a youth movement looking forward. Although the Americans still have several veteran stars such as Alex Morgan, Lindsey Horan, and Crystal Dunn, the squad has experienced fairly significant changes in recent months.



Since the tournament in Australia and New Zealand last year, Spain and England have jumped over the USWNT in the official <a href="https://inside.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/women?dateId=ranking_20240315" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FIFA rankings</a>. The European duo will give the Americans a tough test looking ahead. Nevertheless, Hayes can get the team back on track with help from the new young core.



Hayes will have two more friendlies next month ahead of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/olympics-soccer-schedule-and-tv-guide/">Summer Olympics</a> in France. The Americans have been placed in Group B of the competition, alongside Germany, Australia, Germany, and Zambia. The European side will likely be the hardest opponent for the Americans, as they are currently ranked fifth by the world’s governing body.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Lily Yohannes highlights next USWNT generation of stars

16-year-old phenom Lily Yohannes scored in the USWNT win against South Korea on Tuesday. The teen is one of the next round of prospects.

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USWNT reveal Olympics squad: Morgan and Yohannes out

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Lily Yohannes highlights next USWNT generation of stars