Games don’t get much more iconic than the one that United States women’s national soccer team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher had in the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup semifinal against Canada on Saturday night.
The United States defeated Canada in penalty kicks, with Naeher starring — on both sides of the ball.
After blocking both of Canada’s first two shots in penalty kicks, Naeher took center stage as the USWNT’s third shooter. The American goalkeeper drilled a shot low and to her right past the outstretched arms of her Canadian counterpart, Kailen Sheridan.
Alyssa Naeher even scored a goal in penalties to go with her ridiculous goalkeeping! ⚽️🇺🇸 #USWNT pic.twitter.com/KzKpMiOVSu
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 7, 2024
After both teams converted their next kick, Canada’s Jessie Fleming stepped up as her team’s fourth shooter. With a conversion, the USWNT would be leading going into the fifth round, but Canada would have a chance. With a stop, the match would be over. Naeher went to her left and denied Fleming, securing the USWNT victory.
ALYSSA NAEHER WAS A WALL FOR THE USWNT IN THE GAME-WINNING SHOOTOUT! ⚽️🧱🇺🇸pic.twitter.com/LiahBa6dEQ
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 7, 2024
And as one would expect, Naeher was deservedly praised for her epic performance.
Get you a goalie that can do BOTH. Alyssa Naeher the American hero #USWNT
— Bethany Balcer (@bethanybalcer) March 7, 2024
god Alyssa Naeher taking pens is like a drug to me
— Meg Linehan (@itsmeglinehan) March 7, 2024
for someone who doesn't like hugs Alyssa Naeher sure does shit that makes people wanna hug her so much all the time #uswnt
— Steph Yang | Horrible Soccer Goose (@thrace) March 7, 2024
Alyssa Naeher taking PKs 🤝 Alyssa Naeher saving PKs
What a badass performance in the shootout.— Nancy Armour (@nrarmour) March 7, 2024
ALYSSA NAEHER YOU'RE A GOLDEN GOD
— Sandra 💙💯⚽️ (@Sandherrera_) March 7, 2024
Alyssa Naeher saves a THIRD penalty in the shootout, on top of converting one she took. Absolutely ridiculous. #USWNT advances over Canada to face Brazil in Sunday's Gold Cup final.
— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) March 7, 2024
Interestingly enough, a mistake from Naeher in extra time contributed greatly to the match going to penalty kicks. With the United States leading 2-1 in the final seconds of extra time, Canada was (after review) awarded a penalty kick due to a foul that Naeher committed against Vanessa Gilles.
After review, this led to what would be a game-tying penalty from Canada in the final minute of extra time. ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/QkNztuvAfO
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 7, 2024
Canada’s Adriana Leon converted the shot to send the match into penalty kicks. But it’s safe to say that Naeher redeemed herself — and then some.
With the win, Naeher and the USWNT advance to the final on Sunday, March 10 at 8:15 p.m. ET. It will also be at Snapdragon Stadium.
[Photo Credit: Paramount+/CBS Sports]
