USA forward Catarina Macario will sadly miss out on competing in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 due to a knee injury sustained during training earlier this week. The announcement came from USA head coach Emma Hayes, who expressed deep regret over Macario’s absence, citing “knee irritation” as the reason for her withdrawal.
“It’s devastating,” Hayes shared with reporters on Friday. Macario, who also missed the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ due to an ACL injury, faces another setback in her career. “It’s not a long-term situation,” Hayes clarified, “but she won’t recover in time to participate. I’m absolutely gutted for Cat. She’s worked incredibly hard over the last 12 months to get here, but it’s just not meant to be.”
In Macario’s place, veteran striker Lynn Williams will join the 18-player Olympics roster. Williams, aged 31, brings experience from both the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2023 Women’s World Cup with Team USA. Meanwhile, Emily Sams will step into Williams’ former position on the alternate player list, completing the roster adjustment necessitated by Macario’s unfortunate injury.
