THE HAGUE, Netherlands — In an emotional farewell match for goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, the United States women’s national soccer team secured a 2-1 victory against the Netherlands on Tuesday. Naeher delivered two significant saves and played a key role in her team’s performance, while Lynn Williams netted the decisive goal in the 71st minute.
The U.S. squad concluded their year with an impressive unbeaten streak stretching to 20 games. This performance follows their successful run during the summer when they clinched their fifth Olympic gold medal in France. Just a few days prior, the Americans faced England in a scoreless draw at Wembley Stadium.
Naeher, who recently shared that these European matches would mark her retirement, leaves behind a remarkable legacy. The 36-year-old has represented the United States in 115 matches, amassing 111 starts, recording 89 wins, and achieving 69 shutouts. Her accomplishments include being the only U.S. goalkeeper to secure clean sheets in both a World Cup and an Olympic final, notably having played in the 2019 Women’s World Cup final where the U.S. triumphed over the Netherlands with a score of 2-0.
The match began with the Netherlands taking an early lead when center back Veerle Buurman scored with a header from a corner kick in the 15th minute. Naeher showcased her talent just before halftime, successfully punching away a dangerous shot from Dominique Janssen in the 38th minute, preventing a second goal from the Dutch side.
The United States managed to equalize just before the halftime break with an own goal from Buurman, which slipped past Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar. In a tense second half, Naeher made another critical save by sliding to block a shot from Danielle van de Donk in the 69th minute, paving the way for Williams to score her fourth goal of the year, bringing her career total to 21.
Lily Yohannes, who was recently a substitute in the second half, opted to represent the United States despite having dual citizenship with the Netherlands. Currently playing for Ajax in the Dutch league, Yohannes’s choice highlights her commitment to the U.S. team.
The match also saw the absence of key players Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and Sophia Smith, who were rested to recover from minor injuries during this final stretch of the year. Under the new leadership of coach Emma Hayes, who assumed the role in May, the U.S. team has remained unbeaten in their past 15 matches.