Games don’t get much more iconic than the one that United States women’s national soccer team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher had in the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup semifinal against Canada on Saturday night.
The United States defeated Canada in penalty kicks, with Naeher starring — on both sides of the ball.
After blocking both of Canada’s first two shots in penalty kicks, Naeher took center stage as the USWNT’s third shooter. The American goalkeeper drilled a shot low and to her right past the outstretched arms of her Canadian counterpart, Kailen Sheridan.
After both teams converted their next kick, Canada’s Jessie Fleming stepped up as her team’s fourth shooter. With a conversion, the USWNT would be leading going into the fifth round, but Canada would have a chance. With a stop, the match would be over. Naeher went to her left and denied Fleming, securing the USWNT victory.
And as one would expect, Naeher was deservedly praised for her epic performance.
god Alyssa Naeher taking pens is like a drug to me
— Meg Linehan (@itsmeglinehan) March 7, 2024
for someone who doesn't like hugs Alyssa Naeher sure does shit that makes people wanna hug her so much all the time #uswnt
— Steph Yang | Horrible Soccer Goose (@thrace) March 7, 2024
Alyssa Naeher taking PKs
Alyssa Naeher saving PKs
What a badass performance in the shootout.— Nancy Armour (@nrarmour) March 7, 2024
Interestingly enough, a mistake from Naeher in extra time contributed greatly to the match going to penalty kicks. With the United States leading 2-1 in the final seconds of extra time, Canada was (after review) awarded a penalty kick due to a foul that Naeher committed against Vanessa Gilles.
Canada’s Adriana Leon converted the shot to send the match into penalty kicks. But it’s safe to say that Naeher redeemed herself — and then some.
With the win, Naeher and the USWNT advance to the final on Sunday, March 10 at 8:15 p.m. ET. It will also be at Snapdragon Stadium.
[Photo Credit: Paramount+/CBS Sports]