Landon Donovan heartbroken for Alex Morgan over USWNT Olympics snub

Landon Donovan is experiencing déjà vu with the news surrounding Alex Morgan.For the first time in 16 years, Morgan, the USWNT’s world-class poacher, will miss the Olympics after she was left off the final roster.Donovan, who was left off the 2014 USMNT World Cup roster, said he was devastated by the news.“I’m just really sad and heartbroken for Alex.I’ve been in those shoes,” Donovan told USA Today Sports on Thursday.

“As she was playing in World Cups and Olympics, I was doing the same.It’s been so fun watching her career.

I’ve been in her shoes and it’s a horrible, horrible feeling.”Donovan is remarked as one of the greatest American players after scoring 57 goals, tied for the most by an American in international play.With that, everyone was in shock when then-coach Jurgen Klinsmann left him off the 2014 World Cup roster before the U.S.lost to Belgium in the Round of 16.Now, Morgan finds herself in similar shoes.“In most sports, team sports, one person ends up making a decision on your career sometimes, your future or your ability to play.

And that’s the reality,” Donovan added.The 34-year-old brings an abundance of international experience — she is a two-time World Cup Champion and an Olympic Gold medalist.She sits among the top 10 in USWNT history in goals (123), assists (53), and appearances (223) – attesting to her dominance in international play.However, she has been rudderless this season with her NWSL club, San Diego Wave FC, in part due to an ankle injury.Over the span of 213 minutes and eight appearances, Morgan hasn’t found the back of the net.Another factor is the sheer talent USWNT has up front heading into this year’s Olympics.Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith and Jaedyn Shaw are all clinical up front and are performing at a high level.The USWNT has a new head coach, Emma Hayes, and she opted to take younger players on this year’s Olympic squad, which allows for only 18 slots as opposed to the World Cup’s 23.The ...