CHICAGO (Sept. 20, 2023) — The Chicago Red Stars has exercised the contract option for goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher for 2024.
Naeher joined the Chicago Red Stars in 2016 from former National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) club, the Boston Breakers. Naeher has earned multiple NWSL honors while tending goal for the Red Stars, helping the team clinch a playoff berth every season since arriving in Chicago. One of the few active players remaining from the NWSL's inception in 2013, Naeher has started in 186 of 187 matches across all competitions, amassing 16,800 minutes and 638 saves while holding a mere 1.58 goals against average.
With the Red Stars this season, Naeher has once again shown why the keeper is among the best in the world. Naeher became the first goalkeeper in NWSL history to reach 150 regular-season games played, and, in the same match, recorded her 500th career save, making her the second goalkeeper to reach the milestone. Two weeks later, Naeher broke the league's regular-season saves record by showcasing her quick reflexes with a dynamic save against a shot attempt by Orlando Pride's Marta. While captaining the Red Stars this season, Naeher has recorded two clean sheets, made 71 saves and compiled 25 clearances throughout 1,530 minutes in 17 regular-season matches.
Naeher, a Connecticut native, has represented the United States Women's National Team (USWNT) at the international level since 2014, most recently appearing between the sticks at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Throughout nine prolific years, including three World Cup cycles and three Olympic campaigns, Naeher has earned 95 caps and recorded 56 shutouts with the USWNT, the third-most shutouts in U.S. Soccer history, men or women. Naeher's achievements with the USWNT include two World Cup Championships and two appearances on Olympic rosters with one medal.
Naeher, along with fellow Chicago Red Stars defenders, Tierna Davidson and Casey Krueger, will take on South Africa in a friendly match with the USWNT Sunday, Sept. 24, at Chicago's Soldier Field. Returning to club play Sept. 30, Naeher will lead the Red Stars as the team goes toe-to-toe with Racing Louisville at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, at 7 p.m. CT for the club's Hispanic Heritage Night Match. For tickets, please visit chicagoredstars.com/tickets.
