USWNT veteran goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher retires from international play

The GIST: The No. 1 USWNT is back in the spotlight this week, gearing up for Saturday’s friendly against No. 2 England. But ahead of the first leg of the Americans’ Euro tour, veteran goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher announced her upcoming retirement from the international game. *sobs*

Naeher leaves the USWNT on top: Her club days aren’t over just yet, but the red, white, and blue’s next two friendlies will be Naeher’s last in a 15-year tenure. The penalty kick (PK) queen will hang up her global boots as a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC) winner and Olympic gold medalist.

• Naeher ascended to the starting keeper spot in 2016, tallying 88 wins, 14 draws, and just six losses for the U.S. in the eight years that followed.

• The notoriously private player’s legend grew over the years, exploding during the 2019 WWC and reaching new heights at the Paris Olympics, where she notched a record-setting four shutouts. Forever one of the greats.

Anticipate a fresh lineup Saturday at 12:20 p.m. ET at Wembley Stadium: While Naeher will likely make at least one more USWNT appearance, either during Saturday’s friendly or in next Tuesday’s game against the No. 11 Netherlands, fans can expect to see many new faces in Europe.

• Forwards Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman — aka Triple Espresso — are staying stateside to recuperate from the NWSL season, meaning head coach Emma Hayes could opt for young talent like Alyssa Thompson or newcomer Ally Sentnor up top.

• Eyes will also be on the midfield, with hopes of seeing Lily Yohannes take the pitch in her first game since committing to the USWNT earlier this month. She shoots, she scores.