Alyssa
Naeher
- Position Goalkeeper
- Number 1
- Date of Birth Apr 20 1988
- Hometown Stratford, CT
- Height 5' 9"
- Club Chicago Red Stars
In 2014, Alyssa Naeher was awarded the 2014 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year award, making a record 106 saves in 24 games. That performance helped earned her a spot on the USA’s 2015 World Cup team. In 2019, the Chicago Red Stars GK has emerged as the USWNT’s starting keeper. Strong in the air and with the ball at her feet, Naeher’s quiet confidence in goal will steer the U.S. through its quest to retain the World Cup title.
The Beginning
Amanda, conveniently, became a forward. That resulted in the two sisters out in the yard for hours, Amanda taking shots on Alyssa, who stood in front of whatever makeshift goal they’d come up with—usually the garage door or the underside of the stairs, making save after save.
Becoming the Starter
Going into 2015, Naeher only had one cap for the Women’s National Team. Since then, she’s matured as a keeper and has an entirely different role on the team. The NWSL was really important for her development, as it provided consistent play and competition. “You can train as much as you want as a keeper, but to get better at it, you have to play in games,” says Naeher. Playing for the Red Stars, she gets 24 games a season, consistently playing against great players, day in and day out.
It’s been four years of growth since 2015. “I’ve learned all the bits and pieces from every goalkeeper—between Hope and Barney and Ashlyn and our coaches," Naeher says. "There’s not much that’s actually black and white; everyone has their own style, their own way they play. We’re a team within a team and we are together 100 percent. We all feed off each other and inspire each other.”
The Beginning
Amanda, conveniently, became a forward. That resulted in the two sisters out in the yard for hours, Amanda taking shots on Alyssa, who stood in front of whatever makeshift goal they’d come up with—usually the garage door or the underside of the stairs, making save after save.
Becoming the Starter
Going into 2015, Naeher only had one cap for the Women’s National Team. Since then, she’s matured as a keeper and has an entirely different role on the team. The NWSL was really important for her development, as it provided consistent play and competition. “You can train as much as you want as a keeper, but to get better at it, you have to play in games,” says Naeher. Playing for the Red Stars, she gets 24 games a season, consistently playing against great players, day in and day out.
It’s been four years of growth since 2015. “I’ve learned all the bits and pieces from every goalkeeper—between Hope and Barney and Ashlyn and our coaches," Naeher says. "There’s not much that’s actually black and white; everyone has their own style, their own way they play. We’re a team within a team and we are together 100 percent. We all feed off each other and inspire each other.”
