Alyssa Naeher Retires from U.S. Soccer with Legacy

Alyssa Naeher Retires from U.S. Soccer with Legacy \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, a cornerstone of American soccer for 11 years, has announced her retirement from international play. Known for her composure and clutch saves, Naeher leaves behind a historic legacy, including World Cup and Olympic victories. The 36-year-old plans to continue playing professionally with the Chicago Red Stars.

Alyssa Naeher’s International Soccer Legacy: Quick Looks

• Career Milestones: Naeher was the starting goalkeeper for the 2019 World Cup and 2024 Olympic gold victories.
• Historic Achievements: She’s the only U.S. goalkeeper with shutouts in both a World Cup and an Olympic final.
• Retirement Announcement: Naeher shared her decision on social media, reflecting on her 11-year career.
• Memorable Moments: Iconic saves include the 2019 World Cup semifinal penalty stop and 2024 Olympic final heroics.
• National Team Stats: 113 appearances, 110 starts, 68 shutouts, and 88 wins.
• Future Plans: Naeher will continue her club career with the Chicago Red Stars.
• Final Matches: The U.S. team plays England and the Netherlands before Naeher retires from international play.

Deep Look

Alyssa Naeher Announces Retirement After Historic Career

Alyssa Naeher, the unshakable and accomplished goalkeeper for the U.S. women’s national soccer team, has announced her retirement from international soccer. Known for her calm under pressure and remarkable saves, Naeher’s decision marks the end of an era for American soccer. The 36-year-old shared the news on social media Monday, revealing that her two upcoming matches in Europe will be her final games in a U.S. jersey.

A Record-Breaking Career

Naeher’s career with the national team began in 2014, and over the next decade, she became one of the most reliable and celebrated goalkeepers in U.S. soccer history. She is one of only three American goalkeepers to earn over 100 international caps, finishing with 113 appearances, 110 starts, 88 wins, and 68 shutouts.

She was a vital part of two of the U.S. team’s greatest achievements: the 2019 Women’s World Cup title and the gold medal at the 2024 Olympics in France. Naeher’s ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments solidified her status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Memorable Performances

Naeher’s career is punctuated by standout performances that showcased her composure and skill.

• 2019 World Cup Semifinal Heroics: In a tense semifinal against England, Naeher stopped Steph Houghton’s penalty kick in the 83rd minute to preserve a 2-1 lead. The U.S. went on to defeat the Netherlands 2-0 in the final, where Naeher earned a shutout.
• 2024 Olympic Final Save: Naeher delivered a crucial one-handed save in stoppage time during the gold medal match against Brazil, preserving a 1-0 victory. Her clutch performance, paired with Mallory Swanson’s lone goal, earned her widespread acclaim.
• 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup: In a dramatic semifinal against Canada, Naeher made three penalty shootout saves and even converted a penalty kick herself, placing the ball expertly into the corner of the net.

These moments, along with countless other key saves, defined her reputation as a goalkeeper who thrived under pressure.

Off the Field and Reflections

Naeher announced her retirement with a heartfelt social media post, expressing pride in her career and gratitude for her teammates.

“Every tear shed in the challenging times and disappointments made every smile and celebration in the moments of success that much more joyful,” she wrote. “The memories I have made over the years will last me a lifetime.”

Her teammates and fans have long praised her steady leadership and ability to maintain composure in the sport’s most intense situations. These traits made her an indispensable part of the team and a role model for aspiring athletes.

From Backup to Starter

Naeher’s journey to the top of U.S. soccer was marked by resilience. She debuted with the national team in 2014 and served as a backup to Hope Solo during the 2015 Women’s World Cup, which the U.S. won. After the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, she took over as the starting goalkeeper, quickly establishing herself as a cornerstone of the team.

Naeher’s ability to deliver in pivotal moments helped secure her spot as one of the U.S.’s most decorated goalkeepers. She remains the only American goalkeeper to record shutouts in both a World Cup and an Olympic final.

A Future with Chicago Red Stars

While retiring from international play, Naeher plans to continue her professional career with the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She has been a key player for the team since 2016 and intends to return next season.

Her experience and leadership will undoubtedly continue to influence the next generation of soccer players, both at the club level and beyond.

Farewell Matches in Europe

Naeher’s final international games will be against England at Wembley Stadium on Dec. 2 and the Netherlands in The Hague on Dec. 3. These matches serve as both a farewell to fans and a final opportunity for her to demonstrate her skills on the global stage.

A Lasting Legacy

Alyssa Naeher leaves behind a legacy of excellence, resilience, and leadership. Her achievements on the field—World Cup and Olympic titles, iconic saves, and unmatched consistency—cement her place among the greatest goalkeepers in soccer history.

As she prepares for her final matches with the national team, the soccer world will celebrate a career that has inspired countless fans and players alike. Naeher’s calm presence and determination will remain an enduring example of what it means to succeed at the highest level.

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