“When I began this journey, I never could have imagined where it would take me,” remarked Alyssa Naeher while announcing her retirement from international soccer at the end of last year. A sentiment that perfectly reflects the veteran goalkeeper’s career, which has been nothing short of excellent. While it’s unfortunate that we won’t see her don the USWNT shirt anymore, that hasn’t stopped Naeher from proving she’s still got it on the domestic front, having achieved a special NWSL feat. In fact, not just one — we have 71 reasons to say so!

Yep, that’s correct! Quite a big number but it’s Alyssa after all. Even at 36, the Chicago Stars No. 1 has only improved since stepping down from her senior role for the American ladies. Her latest feat came in yesterday’s NWSL Matchday 4 clash against Bay FC. Helping her side to an emphatic 1-3 win against the California-based club at PayPal Park, Naeher was able to achieve a remarkable feat.

It was shared by the Chicago Stars after yesterday’s victory on their X account. Apparently, with a tally of 71, the veteran shot-stopper now holds the record for the most regular-season wins by any goalkeeper in NWSL history. This is quite a remarkable number that certainly makes the record more special.

In fact, we reckon there’s hardly any other goalkeeper in the NWSL who comes close to that number. Of course, that’s a testament to the remarkable experience Naeher has built throughout her career. After completing her collegiate journey with the Penn State Nittany Lions between 2006 and 2009, the Bridgeport, Connecticut native kicked off her professional career with the USL W-League side Western Mass Lady Pioneers.

Following a spell with third-division side SoccerPlus Connecticut, it was around 2010 when Naeher began her NWSL journey with the Boston Breakers, where she spent a couple of seasons before making a move to German club Turbine Potsdam for a three-year stint. She eventually returned to Boston for another three seasons before finally joining the Chicago Red Stars in 2016 — the club she continues to call home to this day.

Aside from enjoying such a stellar domestic career, the goalie boasts an impressive collection of individual trophies as well. Her cabinet includes winning the 2024 Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper award, 2024 IFFHS Women’s World’s Best Goalkeeper, 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup Golden Glove, 2018 CONCACAF Goalkeeper of the Year, 2008 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Golden Glove, as well as the 2014 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year award.

Given how much time she has spent in the league — let alone with Chicago — it’s only natural for Alyssa Naeher to achieve this feat. It’s more than just a milestone; it’s an example the 5’9″ goalkeeper has set for the upcoming generations, who will hope to etch a similar legacy. And while we believe it’ll be a while before anyone comes close — especially with Naeher still going strong, one can at least admit that her nation has already found someone capable of filling the void she left behind.

There’s a new Alyssa Naeher in the USWNT!

Goes by the name Phallon Tullis-Joyce, this talented figure has been making waves for obvious reasons. And chances are you’ve already come across her goalkeeping heroics. Well, the Manchester United star was recently called up by Emma Hayes for the April doubleheader clash against Brazil. Interestingly, she started the first game and successfully kept a clean sheet, helping her side secure a 2-0 win.

However, getting benched in the latter game saw the USWNT endure a shocking 1-2 defeat. Meanwhile, as Phallon returned to her domestic duties recently, the 28-year-old was able to keep up with her emphatic goalkeeping antics. In the recent FA Women’s Cup semifinal clash against rivals Manchester City, Tullis-Joyce made a remarkable double save to keep a clean sheet in her side’s 2-0 win and march ahead in the final.

In fact, that performance recently ignited a wave of excitement among ardent US Soccer fans, sparking pleas for Emma Hayes to hand Phallon the USWNT’s #1 spot without a second thought. On the contrary, the English tactician earlier shared her first impression remarks on the United star’s performances. While Hayes was impressed with the goalie’s “tremendous” job for the USWNT, she still urged Phallon to make improvements in some areas of her gameplay.

Regardless, one can at least admit that Phallon Tullis-Joyce is the true heir to the throne of Alyssa Naeher.