The USWNT’s Road to the 2024 Olympics

May 1, 2024
By Carina Chin

With the 2024 Olympics approaching, the United States Women’s National Team has a few teams to confront that should help dissolve the concerns that have lingered since the Vlatko Andonovski era. The international friendlies before the start of the 2024 Olympics, the construction of the Olympic roster, and the arrival of Emma Hayes are all a part of the USWNT’s road to France.

USWNT’s Schedule Before the Olympics

The following dates are the final four games for the USWNT before taking off for Paris:

June 1, 2024: vs. Korea
June 4, 2024: vs. Korea
July 13, 2024: vs. Mexico
July 16, 2024: vs. Costa Rica

The USWNT has a 10-0-3 record against the Koreans so the next two meetings can be used to find a groove between the players and the highly anticipated coaching of Hayes. As for the game against Mexico, which won the previous meeting between the two teams in the Gold Cup, there should be a greater focus on setting the tone for what is to come in the Olympics.

But let’s get to the big question: who will be on the 18-player Olympic roster?

In assumption, the majority of those playing in the final three friendlies would be on the Olympic roster. These final games are also a battleground for bubble players to prove themselves suitable for the Olympic roster. The roster count for friendlies is 23, while the Olympic roster count is 18. A five-player differential may make it tougher for Hayes to select the best fit for the tournament.

The USWNT is full of players at different stages of their careers. Some are veterans, while there are a handful of young rising players as well. Let’s highlight a few players Hayes should consider for the Olympic roster.

1. Alex Morgan

Although Morgan has received much criticism for her poor play in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, her legacy as a member of the USWNT is undeniable. She continues to have a unique role as a veteran and an offensive threat. The likelihood of seeing Morgan in Paris is higher than not, yet the management of her minutes may look different than what we witnessed in the World Cup.

2. Kelley O’Hara

Similarly to Morgan, O’Hara has impacted the USWNT in uplifting ways throughout the years. A fan favorite for many, O’Hara has displayed a lot of leadership for the defensive line. The Olympics would likely be her final major tournament with the squad, with the same being for Morgan. There are defenders like Naomi Girma and Emily Fox who feel like a lock for the Olympics. To see O’Hara with the team in Paris may be difficult, but I wouldn’t call it a surprise.

3. Sofia Huerta

Continuing with the defense, Huerta has shown herself to be a lethal threat in the right-back position. With the absence of Julie Ertz, a dynamic force on the backline who can rattle opponents with spurts of attack would be a weapon for the USWNT. Although not making the SheBelieves roster, Huerta has a lot of skill and tenacity to offer.

4. Alana Cook

While being out of the two previous tournaments due to a knee injury, Cook has shown great intelligence and strength in the center back position during her national appearances. The pairing of Girma and Cook in the center defensive line could happen in order to keep Sonnett up in the midfield position. However, there’s one more powerhouse defender we must consider before finalizing any decisions.

5. Becky Sauerbrunn

Sauerbrunn missing the 2023 World Cup due to a foot injury was clearly a blow to the team who saw their earliest exit in competition history. As a leading veteran with the majority of her soccer career behind her, it is hard not to consider Captain America herself for an Olympic roster spot. A Girma-Sauerbrunn duo in the back would have expectations of clean sheets and eliminating offensive threats. Of course, with Alyssa Naeher as goalkeeper, a clean sheet is more likely, but the help from solid center-backs makes the job easier for Naeher.

The Role of Emma Hayes

Morgan, O’Hara, Cook, Huerta, and Sauerbrunn are only a few of the many players Hayes has to evaluate to build the Olympic roster. I expect us to see the majority of the players from the SheBelieves tournament in the three friendlies before the Olympics begin. Yet, there are cuts and additions I would not be shocked to see.

Hayes is in a special position to propel the USWNT to a level of dominance that is familiar to the women’s program. Her resume speaks for itself, and fans should be confident and excited to see how Hayes molds the team.

Featured image via @uswnt on Instagram