Why were Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe Dropped from the USWNT Roster?

The United States Women’s National Soccer Team announced their January 2022 Training Roster team this week. However, in a surprising turn of events, stars Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe have been dropped from the team.

This was quite unexpected, as both Morgan and Rapinoe have been vital in the team’s success in the past. In fact, both of them have previously also co-captained the USWNT.

However, there is a reason behind leaving two of their best on the sidelines.

USWNT to focus on young players

On Wednesday, the official 25 member team of the Training Roster camp was announced. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski announced the team for the camp which will run from January 19 to 28.

The team is looking forward to yet another World Title in 2023. Keeping this in mind, the roster team comprises mostly younger players. The announced team does not include Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe. Not to mention, both these stars have been a part of the World Cup-winning squad in 2015 and 2019.

REIMS, FRANCE – JUNE 11: Alex Morgan of the USA celebrates after scoring her team’s first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France group F match between USA and Thailand at Stade Auguste Delaune on June 11, 2019 in Reims, France. (Photo by Alex Caparros – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Head coach Andonovski revealed they wanted to try the younger players this time, giving them more opportunities to prove themselves.

“We wanted to see these young players and we wanted to give them the opportunity,” said Andonovski.

#USWNT coach Andonovski on veterans off camp roster:

1. Sauerbrunn: recovering from a procedure

2. Morgan, Rapinoe, Press & Heath: Had conversations with all of them. By no means off the roster. Left off Nov & Jan rosters in order to vet & give opportunity to younger generation https://t.co/nijmeW8ipd

— Meg Swanick (@Meg_Swanick) January 12, 2022

According to Andonovski, with veteran players in the picture, younger players don’t get enough opportunity to train and perform. With them out this time, the primary development of young talent will be prioritized.

“With more of the senior players being around, the younger players would not have as much opportunity as they got or they’re going to get,” added the coach.

However, Andonovski has assured that just because some big names are not part of the Team, that does not determine their future with the national side.

He said, “With all this being said, these (veteran) players are not out of the picture by any means.”

Along with Morgan and Rapinoe, Crystal Dunn is one of the other big names that did not make the roster team.

Alex Morgan is in top form ahead of the NWSL season

With the new NWSL season around the corner, star player Alex Morgan is already back on the pitch, training. Notably, the 32-year-old is regarded as one of the best players in USWNT history.

A video has been circulating on Twitter by Beast Mode Soccer head trainer David Copeland Smith. In the video, Morgan can be seen putting in the work ahead of the new season.

𝙿𝚛𝚎-𝚙𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 @alexmorgan13 ⁣
⁣
A great day of world class shots, saves and service from the San Diego crew.⁣
⁣
BIG year ahead for Alex. LFG.⁣ pic.twitter.com/bMI0z7MZMP

— David Copeland-Smith (@BeastModeSoccer) January 5, 2022

“A great day of world-class shots saves and service from the San Diego crew.⁣ ⁣ BIG year ahead for Alex. LFG,” wrote Smith.

Certainly, Morgan seems ready for battle, waiting to make her debut with the San Diego Wave. However, do you think being dropped from the roster will affect her preparations?

READ MORE: “Roast Me”: USWNT Star Alex Morgan Makes a Surprising Request to Wendy’s on Twitter

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