Over the past decade, soccer fans have witnessed the USWNT transition from a standard team of 11 to a dominant force, being favorites to claim upcoming trophies. With over 100 appearances, goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher has decided it’s time to put her gloves aside for the USWNT, having been the No. 1 choice for years. 

Speaking in an interview with Sam Mewis, Naeher announced that her international duty will end after upcoming matches against England and Netherlands. The 36-year-old admits it felt somewhat out of character to announce her retirement before playing the final two games, but believes it’s better than an ‘Irish exit’ and suddenly disappearing. 

Having made her debut for the USWNT back in 2014, Naeher has had a career that even her fiercest rivals can’t help but admire. Fans will remember her 2019 moments which helped USWNT win the FIFA World Cup. Overall, she retires as a two-time World Cup Winner and a three-time Olympian, having recently won gold in Paris. 

Of the 113 appearances she made for the Stars and Stripes, the team won 88 and had 68 shutouts (clean sheets). She is only behind Briana Scurry and Hope Solo in international caps. Her domestic journey is yet to come to an end, as she plans to keep playing for the Chicago Red Stars, a club she has been part of since 2016. 

One of Naeher’s most unforgettable moments came in the 2019 FIFA World Cup. Her penalty save in the 83rd minute denied England’s Steph Houghton the opportunity to level the score, with USA winning the game 2-1. With Naeher stepping down after the final two friendlies, the question now is who will take her place between the sticks. 

Is Casey Murphy the next No.1 for Emma Hayes’ USWNT?

The 28-year-old has been the backup goalkeeper for the USWNT for a long time now. Making her debut back in 2021, the North Carolina Courage goalkeeper has made 20 appearances for the Stars and Stripes. While it’s too early to decide, she was part of the squad that won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

The current roster also includes Mandy Haught and Phallon Tullis-Joyce. Mandy recently made her debut in a 3-0 friendly win over Argentina on October 30th. She was called up by Hayes to replace the injured Jane Campbell, who is also a contender for the spot when she returns. Tullis-Joyce who plays for Manchester United is yet to make her debut but you never know!

Whoever steps in to replace her will have big shoes to fill, with the hopes of becoming the number-one keeper by the time the 2027 World Cup arrives. For now, Emma Hayes’ squad will shift focus to prepare for the SheBelieves Cup, once the friendlies conclude.