Chicago Stars FC’s Alyssa Naeher named 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year

Chicago Stars FC goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was voted the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year after she helped lead the national squad to win the gold medal in last year's Summer Olympics.

Naeher, 36, also earned the award after she retired from international soccer. She’s only the second goalkeeper to win the award after Hope Solo in 2009.

Winning Olympic gold

The backstory:

Naeher was also voted the Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for 2024 and selected to the Best FIFA Best Women’s 11.

She played every minute of the 2024 Olympics and allowed just two goals. The USA women’s team won all three knockout matches in the Olympics by 1-0 scores, two of which went into overtime. They defeated Brazil in the gold medal match.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 10: Alyssa Naeher #1 of the United States shouts instructions during the first half against Brazil during the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup final at Snapdragon Stadium on March 10, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Ben

Naeher became the first goalkeeper in women’s soccer history to keep shutouts in a World Cup Final and an Olympic Final.

She finished 2024 with a record of 13 wins, one loss and three draws while allowing just 11 goals in 18 starts.

What's next:

While she has retired from the international squad, she will continue her professional career with the Chicago Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League.

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MAY 05: Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher #1 of the Chicago Red Stars looks on against Bay FC in the first half at PayPal Park on May 05, 2024 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

What they're saying:

Naeher, who played her final USWMT game last month, praised the team for their accomplishments collectively.

"This is an incredible honor, to cap off what has been a very special year with this team. This team is made up of a special group of players, coaches and staff and all year you could feel that energy and that we had the opportunity to achieve something great. I was inspired all year long by my incredible teammates; the work we put in, the commitment to the team and our goals, and all of their love and support."

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