Beyond a record-breaking list, injuries seem to have taken a toll on this season’s NWSL campaign. While the Chicago Red Stars managed to clinch an emphatic 3-1 victory over the Utah Royals, it came at the cost of losing its star player, Alyssa Naeher. The goalkeeper was forced to leave Sunday’s clash which has cast doubt over her participation for the USWNT in the Olympics. 

The injury came in the 60th minute when the Illinois-based club was sitting comfortably with a 2-0 lead, courtesy of first-half goals from Jenna Bike and Mallory Swanson. Naeher appeared to pick up an injury after sprinting back to defend. Despite trying to continue, the 36-year-old was noticeably struggling and had to be substituted for Mackenzie Wood. As Naeher left the pitch, the Red Stars failed to maintain her clean sheet momentum with Wood conceding the Royals’ first goal in the 81st minute. 

However, the home side quickly made a charge, with Penelope Hocking adding in the injury time to triple the lead. Following the match, head coach Lorne Donaldson had no update on Naeher’s injury. Per Pro Soccer Wire, he said, “I’m leaving it to the pros, I don’t know what’s going on yet.” Perhaps further tests from the medics will reveal the exact timeline for Naeher’s return. Till then, the Red Stars would have to count on Wood to guard the sticks.

The veteran keeper had been in quite decent form, starting in the 9 league games so far. Either way, her injury comes out to be a huge blow, not just for the Red Stars, but for the USWNT as well. 

The injury of Alyssa Naeher might be a major stumbling block for USWNT!

Being a regular starter for the 4x World Champions, the extent of Alyssa Naeher’s injury may potentially hinder her presence in the 2024 Paris Olympics which are set to kick off in just over two months. Before kickstarting the summer games, Emma Hayes’ side is also bound for two friendly matches against South Korea on June 1 and June 4. Should she fail to make a return on time, who will Emma Hayes count on? 

The USWNT shall turn toward North Carolina Courage’s Casey Murphy and Houston Dash star Jane Campbell. Notably, Naeher had cemented her spot with her decent performances in the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup and SheBelieves Cup. Either way, it’s still quite early to speculate as a major update from Chicago Red Stars will only reveal the gravity of Alyssa Naeher’s return. Till then, we wish her a speedy recovery.