Former Penn State women's soccer goaltender Alyssa Naeher saved three penalties and earned her own penalty in the United States Women's National Team (USWNT) penalty shootout victory over Canada in the Gold Cup semifinals in San Diego on Wednesday night. He scored one penalty kick.
With Neher in goal and Nittany Lion Sam Coffey in midfield, the USWNT took the lead against Canada in the 20th minute with a goal from Jaydyn Shaw. The Americans led for most of the rainy game until Canada and Jordyn Huytema scored the tying goal in the 82nd minute.
USWNT forward Sophia Smith took the lead in the 99th minute after extra time, but in the final minutes of extra time, Neher left the goal line to save a floated cross and collided with Adriana Leon in the penalty area, resulting in Canada's loss. was awarded a penalty. .
As a result of video review, Canada was awarded a penalty penalty in the 120th minute, which Leon converted to take the game to penalties and decide the game.
Smith converted the USWNT's first penalty kick, redeeming himself from the team's penalty miss at the Penalty World Cup in 2023 when they lost to Sweden.
Neher then got between the pipes and blocked Leon's attempt again with the first round of kicks. Leon's 12-yard kick was deflected by Neher and away from the goal, preserving the clean sheet for the USWNT.
American midfielder Corbin Albert sent a shot high into the net, but Canadian forward Huitema's attempt was blocked by Neher with consecutive kicks and saved.
In the third round, goalkeeper Neher came close to receiving his team's kick, fired a heavy ball into the side netting, and returned to the goal line himself.
Midfielder Quinn nailed the shot, giving the USWNT a 2-1 lead at the end of the third kick.
Captain Lindsey Horan put the penalty in the back of the net and Neher made his third penalty save with a diving redirect of Jesse Fleming's shot, sending the USWNT into the Gold Cup final.
This muddy win was extremely meaningful for the team, as players, staff and culture have changed since the team lost on penalties to Sweden in the round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
USWNT Interim Head Coach Twyla Kilgore said after the game, “This is two big games in a row of mentality. Regardless of how the game was played or how it ended, it's a statement and is important,” he said.
Now, Neher, Kilgore and the team will face Brazil in the Gold Cup final in San Diego on Sunday, March 10th at 8:15 p.m.
A seasoned team veteran and two-time World Cup winner, Nair will also lead the defense at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The USWNT recently won a bronze medal at the 2020 Olympics after losing to Canada in the semifinals.