The moment Alyssa Naeher left fans speechless in her final USWNT match | OneFootball

The game’s early stages were dominated by the Dutch, who came out aggressive and determined, forcing Alyssa Naeher into action from the opening minutes. Jill Roord and Lineth Beerensteyn were constant threats, but the American goalkeeper showcased her sharp reflexes, keeping the scoreline under control.

However, in the 15th minute, a well-taken corner found Veerle Buurman, who headed the ball into the net, leaving Naeher with no chance to react. At that point, the score reflected Dutch dominance as they controlled offensive momentum and kept the Americans pinned in their own half.

Despite the Dutch team’s relentless attacks and statistical superiority, the US found an equalizer just before halftime in a mix of luck and persistence. Tierna Davidson’s long free kick met Buurman’s head, but the Dutch defender accidentally redirected the ball into her own net. The goal injected new energy into the Americans, who had been outplayed in nearly every aspect up to that moment.

Adjustments and Lynn Williams’ decisive moment

Emma Hayes, ever attuned to the nuances of the game, made strategic changes at halftime, shoring up the defense and reworking the attack by bringing in Lynn Williams. The team returned more compact and balanced, adapting to the steady rain falling over The Hague.

That magical moment came in the 71st minute. Off a long ball from Alyssa Naeher, midfielder headers eventually saw the ball to Yazmeen Ryan. He charged down the right side of the pitch and delivered the final cross perfectly to Lynn Williams, beating her marker on the finish with poise. That goal showed intelligence and the clinical nature that came as the team took to the park.

Alyssa Naeher: a career defined by consistency

If there was a standout player in this match, it was Alyssa Naeher. Her farewell performance, marked by critical saves and unwavering leadership, reaffirmed her place as one of the greatest goalkeepers in USWNT history. With 115 matches played, 69 clean sheets, and a career full of memorable moments, her legacy is unparalleled.

Naeher didn't just rise to the occasion in pressure-filled moments. She also directly contributed to the winning goal's buildup, proof her influence extended well beyond her saves.

A year of growth and preparation for the future

The USWNT finished the year 2024 with a record of 18 wins, one loss, and four draws after beating the Netherlands. Under Emma Hayes, they reclaimed the top spot in the FIFA World Ranking and consistently performed well against high-quality opponents.

The integration of young talents like Lily Yohannes and Jaedyn Shaw highlights the ongoing renewal of the roster, while veterans like Lynn Williams continue to lead with impactful performances. Hayes seems to have struck the right balance between experience and fresh energy, which is an essential factor for sustained competitiveness.

Looking ahead to 2025

With the SheBelieves Cup looming, matches against Colombia, Australia, and Japan will provide an excellent opportunity to cement tactical progress and try out fresh combinations. The tournament gives a sneak peek into what is in store for the next cycle of international competition.

This, again, is where Emma Hayes faces the challenge of continuing to refine the work that got started in 2024; not just maintaining an unbeaten streak but building cohesive identities as a team that can go into any challenge with confidence.

This match and Alyssa Naeher's farewell encapsulate a year defined by resilience, adaptability, and growth. Moving forward, the USWNT does so with optimism, fueled by a strong foundation with an eye toward even greater success.