USWNT bids farewell to legend in competitive winter fixtures

The 36-year-old started her farewell in record-breaking fashion. A 0-0 draw against the No. 2 team in the world at Wembley Stadium last Saturday marked her most shutouts in a calendar year for the national team.

With 69 shutouts in 115 appearances for the United States, Naeher holds the highest shutout percentage of any American goalkeeper with over 100 appearances. In her eight years as the team’s No. 1 goalkeeper, no player has meant more in big moments than the shot-stopper.

Naeher did not record a shutout in the team’s 2-1 win over the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Tuesday, but it was arguably one of her greatest performances ever for her country.

She made six saves, her most ever in a friendly and most since the Olympic semifinal match versus Germany in August. The most important came in the 69th minute from a Dutch cross.

Naeher scurried across her goal, diving to her right and saving the shot with her feet. The save shifted the momentum of the game, and the U.S. went on to score the game-winning goal just two minutes later.

The 2024 Olympic gold medalists did not lose a game this year under new head coach Emma Hayes, but her hardest task is ahead of her.

To prepare her side for the 2027 World Cup, she must find a dependable replacement for its legendary goalkeeper. Luckily, time and a plethora of American talent is at her disposal.

Furthermore, the team showed resilience traveling to Europe and getting results against two of the world’s best teams while not playing at its best physically and tactically. Many players in Tuesday's match finished a grueling 10-month NWSL season just a few weeks ago.

“I can assure you I will learn a lot more today against top-class opposition away from home midweek than I will say home game in the sun against someone maybe not at the same level,” Hayes said after the game.

Her goal is to get more players appearances for their country in games like these. If her vision can pay off, a rested, more experienced USWNT is poised to remain on top.