Due to a knee injury, Catarina Macario, a striker for the United States National Women’s team, who are Zambia’s Olympic opponents will miss the 2024 Olympic Games Women’s Football Tournament in Paris.
Zambia women’s team also known as the Copper Queens will open their 2024 Olympic campaign against the USWNT on July 25. They are in Group B alongside, Germany, Australia and the USWNT.
During a meeting with reporters on Friday, USWNT head coach Emma Hayes confirmed the news regarding the 24-year-old Chelsea forward’s absence.
Veteran attacker Lynn Williams will take Macario’s spot in the 18- team member squad, while Emily Sams will replace Williams on the reserve list.
The 31-year-old Williams competed for the Stars and Stripes in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as well as the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Hayes said Macario was devastated by the news of having to miss the 2024 Olympic games. She also
missed the FIFA Women’s World due to an ACL.
“She’s devastated,” said Hayes. “It’s not a long-term situation; [she’s] just not going to recover in time. I’m absolutely gutted for Cat. She’s someone who has worked hard within the last 12 months. She’s really put in a shift to get there, but it’s not to be.”
Macario took to Instagram to express her disappointment and wish her teammates good luck.
“Gutted to have to withdraw from the Olympic squad and not be able to represent Team USA. I will be supporting the team every step of the way, and the girls are ready,” she stated.
READ ALSO: Copper Queens player ratings versus New Zealand.
The USWNT will now shift their focus to Costa Rica after Sophia Smith’s goal secured a victory against Mexico in the first of the two send-off matches.
