SD Wave: Girma, Dahlkemper, Shaw called up to USWNT, Morgan kept off roster
Credit: SD Wave
This Wednesday, February 7, 2024, the USWNT announced its roster for the upcoming CONCACAF W Gold Cup, which will feature games at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, including the final.
Naomi Girma, Abby Dahlkemper, and Jaedyn Shaw were all called up to the U.S. roster, but the big shock was who was kept off the roster.
Alex Morgan was not called up for the USWNT;. She has no injury issues, as this appears to be a direct decision by the coaching staff. Morgan had a very disappointing performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, failing to score in four games played at the global competition.
The 34-year-old striker also had what many considered to be a down year with the San Diego Wave, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in 19 games. However, Morgan’s season with the Wave was a bit underrated, as she played a very distinct role that she had in the last few years and did quite well in it, generating plenty of play for the Wave.
jae, nay & abby are gold cup bound 🌊🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/8UV1USuzk0
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) February 7, 2024
The USWNT had the potential to make use of a similar role within this youthful roster, but the decision to keep her out is definitely a surprising one to the U.S. soccer community.
On the other hand, it will be very interesting to see what Jaedyn Shaw can provide, potentially alongside San Diego native Mia Fishel. Naomi Girma is basically a consistent starter at this point with all of the playing time she has received in the last couple of years, while it will be interesting to see if Dahlkemper can keep the same form that she finished the 2023 NWSL season.
San Diego Wave goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan was also called up by the Canadian women’s national team, and she will start her W Gold Cup campaign on February 22 at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. The U.S. women’s team will begin their tournament on February 20 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.
The first two games at Snapdragon Stadium in the W Gold Cup will be held on February 21 when Panama takes on Colombia, and Brazil still awaits an opponent for that day.
Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.