Alex Morgan got caught up in a numbers game.
Morgan, who is the USWNT’s active leading goal scorer and fifth on its all-time list, was left off Emma Hayes’ 18-player roster for the Paris Olympics. NWSL scoring leader Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Jaedyn Smith, Trinity Rodman and Crystal Dunn are listed as the forwards.
"The biggest factor is (we can have) 16 outfield players," Hayes said after the roster was released Wednesday. "To play a lot of games, arguably, I hope over a 17-day period, having a roster that could adapt is essential. ... Having players on the roster that could play more than one position mattered with squad depth.