“Had a Complete Year” – Triple Espresso Snubbed as Ali Krieger Picks Naomi Girma for USWNT Player of the Year

The ‘Triple Espresso’ trio of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson netted 10 of the USWNT’s 12 goals at the Paris Olympics, outscoring every other nation en route to winning Olympic Gold. However, former Stars and Stripes player Ali Kreiger believes Naomi Girma is more deserving of the USWNT Player of the Year Award. After all, Emma Hayes recently named her the best defender she’s ever seen. 

Naomi Girma has been a rock in Emma Hayes’ backline since the English coach took charge. While Girma doesn’t score goals that often, she’s damn good at keeping the ball out of her net, providing support to her goalkeeper. Ali Krieger’s claim holds weight, as Girma is among the nominees for the Best FIFA Women’s Player award, alongside her American teammates.

Speaking on the ‘Futbol Americas‘ podcast, Krieger emphasized that Girma’s individual performances make her deserving of the accolade when compared to the Triple Espresso. “They deserve to have the Olympics that they had. But Naomi Girma has had a complete year, and she has been dominant. She has been consistent.”

Krieger also pointed out that Girma stood out as one of the team’s top performers at the Olympics, amid solid displays from her teammates. “I’m so happy to see her at this tender young age still thrive in the position that she’s in. And she’s just doing it with such grace and leadership, confidence, that it’s exciting to see that she had another great year.“

After all, at just 24 years old, Naomi Girma played every minute of the approximately 600 minutes in the Olympics. While Girma had an outstanding year in the red, blue, and white, her domestic season with the San Diego Wave in the NWSL ended on a quieter note. Her teammates may edge her out for the award based on their club performances, especially one in particular. 

Naomi Girma applauds Alyssa Naeher as a human being

Alyssa Naeher recently capped off her USWNT career with a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands. For Naomi Girma, Naeher’s presence in goal has been a great confidence booster and she said she’ll miss the 36-year-old. Naeher is a nominee for both the USWNT Player of the Year and the Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper awards.

“It’s crazy how good she still is going into [international] retirement! Off the field, she’s a great human being. She has embodied what it means to be a US women’s national team player.” Girma told FIFA. With so many standout individual performances, it will be tough for Naomi Girma to win the award.

But let’s not forget that last year’s USWNT Player of the Year was Naomi Girma. Whether she wins the award or not, there’s no doubt that Naomi Girma is one of the best defenders of her generation. If she continues her exceptional form, she’ll secure more personal accolades and team achievements in the years to come.