115 appearances, 89 wins, and 69 clean sheets, that’s the record Alyssa Naeher has set while guarding the goal for the USWNT. Considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of her generation, she has been a key part of the US teams that won two World Cups, an Olympic gold for Emma Hayes, and a bronze. Recently playing her final match against the Netherlands in a friendly, she leaves behind an empty net and a legacy that’s tough to fill.

This year, FIFA announced Alyssa Naeher as the Best Goalkeeper of the Year, and there’s no doubt why. Her stellar performances in the Paris Olympics, where she conceded just two goals, helped cement her legacy. Former USMNT star Alexi Lalas acknowledges that finding a replacement will be key if Emma Hayes hopes to win the nation their fifth World Cup. 

“There is a debate when it comes to how important Alyssa Naeher is, retired with plenty of wins, plenty of championships, plenty of titles to her name, but somebody has to step up,” says Lalas on his ‘State of the Union’ podcast. The former defender also mentions that it shouldn’t be much of a hassle for Emma Hayes to replace Naeher, but there’s a catch. 

“Ultimately this is about winning the World Cup and putting right everything that came after that failure in New Zealand and Australia, last year,” says Lalas referring to the USWNT getting knocked out of the 2023 World Cup on penalties in the round of 16. It was the first Women’s World Cup where the United States did not finish in the top 3. 

For Lalas, all he wants is a goalkeeper who will make those crucial saves when the team needs them most. Alyssa Naeher certainly knows all about that for her most iconic moment came during the 2019 World Cup semifinal when she saved Steph Houghton’s 83rd-minute penalty, securing the United States’ 2–1 victory over England.

Alyssa Naeher was overlooked by a close friend in USWNT’s best goalkeeper debate

When Bay FC owner and former USWNT star Leslie Osborne, who had previously appeared on Lalas’ podcast, was asked to name the best goalkeeper of all time, she chose Hope Solo over Alyssa Naeher. “She’s incredible, but Hope Solo, when I played, there was no one else I wanted behind me, then Hope Solo, she was the best goalkeeper in the world,” says Osborne.

For USWNT, there is ‘hope’ that another world-class goalkeeper will emerge from their ranks. For now, Casey Murphy is among the favorites to replace Alyssa Naeher. Head coach Emma Hayes will also have the likes of Mandy Haught, Jane Campbell, and Phallon Tullis-Joyce contending for the spot.

The USWNT goalkeeper position has always been tough to fill, given the legendary names who have stood between the sticks. For Emma Hayes, there are three more years before the next World Cup, and hopefully, that will be enough time for one of the contenders to become a regular. Who do you think should replace Alyssa Naeher? Let us know in the comments.