United States women’s national team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher has announced her retirement from international soccer, with team’s next two matches being her final ones for the Stars and Stripes.
Naeher has served as the first-choice goalkeeper for the US women since Hope Solo’s international retirement in 2016 and been the starter between the posts for America in every major tournament in the last eight years.
Naeher, 36, ranks third all-time for the USWNT in goalkeeper caps (113), starts (110), wins (88), and shutouts (68), trailing only Solo and American goalkeeping legend Briana Scurry.
The US women will play on Saturday against England at Wembley Stadium, with her international career coming to close on December 3 in a road game against The Netherlands.
Those two games are also the final USWNT contests of the year, giving head coach Emma Hayes time to find a new starter in net by next year’s SheBelieves Cup in late February.
‘Having the opportunity to be a part of the USWNT for the past 15 years has been the greatest honor,’ said Naeher via a news release. ‘When I began this journey, I never could have imagined where it would take me, and now I find myself so grateful for all the incredible teammates that I have shared the field with; teammates that have turned into lifelong friends.’
USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher has announced her retirement from international soccer
Naeher was the starting goalkeeper for the United States during its 2019 World Cup triumph
‘To all my teammates, coaches and staff, thank you all for pushing me, supporting me, and making me a better person/player every single day. A special thanks goes to my family. You have traveled all over the world and were in my corner every step of the way and I love you all.’
Naeher will continue her club career with the NWSL’s Chicago Red Stars next season.
‘This has been a special team to be a part of and I am beyond proud of what we have achieved both on and off the field. The memories I have made over the years will last me a lifetime.’
‘I know one chapter is ending, but I am so excited to continue to see the growth of this team going forward and what more they can accomplish.’
After Naeher is out of the picture, Casey Murphy appears to have the inside track to be the team’s next first-choice goalkeeper, as she is currently the second-most experienced between the posts in the USWNT player pool.
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