Veteran forward Alex Morgan was named to the U.S. women’s national team roster for the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup on Tuesday, an injury replacement for Mia Fishel.
Fishel tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee on Monday in a training session.
“I’m gutted for Mia, and I know the team and the entire staff is as well,” said Twila Kilgore, the interim U.S. coach. “She’s been very effective in camp and has worked hard to make an impact.”
Morgan, 34, was left off the roster when it was announced earlier this month. The veteran of four Women’s World Cups, she ranks fifth in USWNT history with 121 career goals.
But Morgan had a mediocre World Cup showing performance last year when she didn’t score a goal in four matches. The Americans struggled and were ousted by Sweden in the round of 16.
On social media Tuesday, she said she will do her part for the U.S. and wished Fishel well.
“Not how I would wish to come into camp but ready to go to work!,” adding she was sending Fishel prayers “for a speedy recovery.”
Not how I would wish to come into camp but ready to get to work!
Praying for a speedy recovery ?? @miafishel10 https://t.co/kdMI0CY2oz
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) February 20, 2024
Morgan, who plays for the San Diego Wave of the NWSL, has 215 caps with the USWNT.
“As we start this tournament, we’re fortunate to be able to add a player like Alex to the roster,” Kilgore said. “Her accomplishments speak for themselves, she’s been training extremely hard with the Wave in preseason, and I know she’ll be more than ready to contribute in this tournament.”
Morgan will be available for Tuesday night’s Group A match against the Dominican Republic in Carson, Calif. Group play for the U.S. continues Friday against Argentina and concludes Monday against Mexico.
The top two finishers in each of the three Concacaf W Gold Cup groups, along with the two best third-place teams, will qualify for the knockout stage, which set for March 2 and 3 in Los Angeles. The semifinals and finals will be played March 6 and 10, respectively, in San Diego.
–Field Level Media