BERKELEY --- Former Golden Bear women's soccer standout Alex Morgan, one of the most recognizable players in the sport, has officially been named to the U.S. Women's National Team for the 2016 Rio Olympics, U.S. Soccer and head coach Jill Ellis announced today. 

A National Team veteran that helped lead the U.S. to its third FIFA World Cup title in 2015, Morgan will be competing in her second Olympic Games after winning gold in London in 2012. Of the 18 players selected to go to Rio, Morgan is one of seven players returning from the London squad, one of 15 suiting up again after the World Cup, and one of six players with over 100 caps for the USA.

While at Cal, Morgan appeared in 67 matches with 61 starts. Despite missing numerous games due to her time with the national team, Morgan finished her Golden Bear career with 45 goals and 107 points, marks that are tied for third all-time in Cal history. In addition to her goal-scoring prowess, she also notched 17 assists. Her five collegiate hat tricks are the most of any Cal player, and along with All-Pac-10 honors in 2010 and 2009, Morgan was an NSCAA All-American in 2010 and finalist for the prestigious Hermann Trophy despite only playing 12 matches during her senior season.

Morgan and the USWNT will open play in Group G on Wednesday, August 3 against New Zealand - and fellow Cal Olympian Betsy Hassett, who will also be making her second Olympic appearance. The Americans will also face France (Saturday, August 6) and Colombia (Tuesday, August 9) before the knockout stage. Fans can find the full Olympic schedule by clicking HERE.

A gold medal for the U.S., who have reached every Olympic final, would bring a sixth total medal back to the States to go with its four golds (1996, 2004, 2008, 2012) and one silver (2000).
 

2016 U.S. Olympic Women's Soccer Team Roster by Position:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars), Hope Solo (Seattle Reign FC)
DEFENDERS (6): Whitney Engen (Boston Breakers), Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Meghan Klingenberg (Portland Thorns FC), Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit), Kelley O'Hara (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC)
FORWARDS (4): Crystal Dunn (Washington Spirit), ALEX MORGAN (Orlando Pride), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Mallory Pugh (Real Colorado)