In a highly anticipated announcement, Emma Hayes, the manager of the US Women's National Team (USWNT), has unveiled the official 18-player roster for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris. The squad comprises a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, aiming to bring home gold after a disappointing performance in the previous Olympic Games.

Hayes, who took over as the USWNT manager in December, stated that selecting the final roster was an arduous task due to the immense talent pool available. Notably, the exclusion of veteran striker Alex Morgan raises eyebrows, as this will be the first time since 2008 that she will not compete in the Olympics. Morgan, who has been an integral part of the team's success over the years, has faced challenges with scoring goals for her club and has been managing an ankle injury during the current season.

The selected squad features nine first-time Olympians, including goalkeeper Casey Murphy, defenders Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, and Jenna Nighswonger, midfielders Korbin Albert and Sam Coffey, and forwards Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Jaedyn Shaw. These players will have the opportunity to showcase their abilities on an international stage for the first time.

Furthermore, two Washington Spirit rookies, Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt, have been named as alternates for the team. They will experience the Olympics for the first time, providing additional depth and support to the main squad.

Hayes expressed her excitement about the chosen group and emphasized the need to build upon their previous camp and showcase the progress the team has made. She further acknowledged the difficulty of making the final decision, particularly considering Morgan's impressive history with the team.

While Morgan's omission from the roster surprised many casual fans, the team's leadership remains intact with two-time Olympians Alyssa Naeher, Crystal Dunn, and team captain Lindsey Horan. The veterans are set to embark on their third Olympic journey, displaying their experience and commitment.

Hayes addressed Morgan's exclusion during a press conference, praising her as an outstanding player and individual. She explained that the decision was made to explore other options and steer the team in a new direction.

In response, Morgan took to her social media accounts to express her disappointment but pledged her support for the team. She acknowledged the privilege of representing her country on the Olympic stage and affirmed her pride in wearing the national crest.

Amongst the selected players, midfielder Korbin Albert's inclusion raised questions and scrutiny. Albert had come under fire for reposting anti-LGBTQ videos on her personal accounts, which resulted in pressure from current and former players. She eventually apologized for her actions. Hayes emphasized the ongoing work and discussions within the team to address the situation and foster a welcoming environment for LGBTQ players.

With the roster finalized, the USWNT now looks ahead to the Paris Games, with the women's football tournament commencing on July 25. Drawn into Group B, the team will face Zambia in their opening match, followed by challenging games against Germany and Australia. After failing to reach the podium in the 2016 Olympics, the USWNT is determined to reclaim gold, as they last did in 2012.

The team enters the competition in good form, having sustained only one loss since the previous Women's World Cup. With a blend of seasoned campaigners and exciting newcomers, the USWNT aims to captivate fans and deliver a triumphant performance on the grand Olympic stage.