Alyssa Naeher found herself in a familiar position against Canada on Tuesday – and once again came away victorious.
For the second time in just 34 days, Canada and the USWNT went to a penalty shootout. And Naeher went on an incredible run of form once again – stopping three shots – to give the USWNT the SheBelieves Cup win.
In addition to her key saves, Naeher also stepped up and drilled a penalty herself. It was reminiscent of her efforts against Canada in March – when she also saved three shots and converted an attempt of her own.
We have Alyssa Naeher. pic.twitter.com/uHDfVwY2NZ
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 10, 2024
“Alyssa is just so even keeled. She is someone that shows no emotion,” forward Alex Morgan said. “I know there are nerves under [there] somewhere, but she is never going to show them and she’s just someone that continues to show up in big moments.”
Her recent success in penalty shootouts comes after the USWNT’s dramatic exit from the 2023 World Cup, with Naeher both saving and making penalties before the team was eliminated by a millimeter on the decisive penalty against Sweden.
Naeher has since said she still believes she saved that shot. Irregardless, she’s been a difference maker in shootouts ever since.
"There's certainly a lot of mind games when you come into the penalty shootout, on both sides," Naeher said. "There's a lot of familiarity [with Canada] that makes it hard and also really fun to compete on the field."
Interim head coach Twila Kilgore called Naeher’s performance “incredible.”
“Is it not incredible?” Kilgore said. “I mean, nerves of steel.”
