Alyssa Naeher concluded her illustrious national team career with a victory, as the United States women’s soccer team edged the Netherlands 2-1 in her final match on Tuesday.
In a performance marked by two crucial saves, Naeher, 36, focused on securing a win rather than reflecting on her retirement. “I definitely wasn’t thinking about it during the game; I just wanted to win and do what I could to come away with the ‘W’ for us to close out the year,” she said.
The U.S. took control in the 71st minute when Lynn Williams scored the decisive goal. This victory capped off a remarkable year for the team, which included winning its fifth Olympic gold medal in France and maintaining a 20-game unbeaten streak. The Americans were looking to rebound from a scoreless draw against England at Wembley Stadium just days earlier.
Naeher had announced prior to the match that these European exhibitions would be her last. Over her career, she made 115 appearances for the national team, with 111 starts, achieving 89 wins and 69 shutouts. Notably, she is the only U.S. goalkeeper to record shutouts in both a World Cup and an Olympic final, having played a pivotal role in the U.S. victory over the Netherlands in the 2019 Women’s World Cup final.
Reflecting on her decision to retire, Naeher expressed a mix of emotions: “In my heart, I would love to keep going. But in my head, body, and mind, I feel like it’s the right time. I think it’s the right time for this team as it builds towards the future and 2027. I feel like I’ve given everything I have to give for this team, and that’s why I feel at peace with that.”
The match began with the Netherlands taking an early lead through a header from center back Veerle Buurman off a corner kick in the 15th minute. Naeher thwarted a potential second goal by punching away a shot from Dominique Janssen in the 38th minute. The U.S. equalized just before halftime with an own goal from Buurman, which deflected past Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.
Naeher made another critical save in the 69th minute, stopping a shot from Danielle van de Donk before Williams netted her fourth goal of the year and the 21st of her career. Williams remarked on the team’s second-half adjustments, saying, “I wouldn’t say that this was our prettiest game of soccer ever… but the biggest thing was matching their intensity.”
Naeher finished the match with six saves. Although she is stepping back from international play, she will continue her career with the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League next season.
U.S. head coach Emma Hayes praised Naeher’s consistency and character, stating, “She’s been consistent again and again… Not only has she been a great player in this program, but she’s so loved by everyone, players and staff alike.”
Lily Yohannes, who recently chose to represent the U.S. over the Netherlands, made her debut as a substitute in the second half. The U.S. finished the year without key players Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and Sophia Smith, who were rested due to injuries. Under Hayes, who took over in May, the U.S. remains unbeaten in 15 matches.
Related topics
