Former Penn State Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher Named to U.S. Olympic Women’s Soccer Team

For the second time in her career, former Penn State women’s soccer goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is headed to the Summer Olympics.

On Wednesday, Naeher was named to the U.S. Olympic women’s soccer team’s 18-player roster. She is the only Penn Stater included on this year’s roster.

Naeher was a part of the 2016 team that was eliminated in the quarterfinals in a penalty shootout against Sweden. That tournament resulted in the worst finish the USWNT ever had in a major international tournament.

At the international level, Naeher became the full-time starter for the national team following the retirement of long-time goalkeeper Hope Solo. She was a part of the 2015 World Cup-winning squad and had four shutouts in seven games en route to the 2019 World Cup title. She currently plays with the Chicago Red Stars of the NWSL and was the 2014 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year.

Naeher played at Penn State from 2006 to 2009. She earned a plethora of honors during her time with the Nittany Lions, including first-team All-American honors in 2007 and 2008 and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2007. She posted a 50-19-5 record during her four seasons between the sticks for the Nittany Lions. She ranks second all-time in program history with 359 career saves.

The opening ceremonies for the Tokyo Summer Olympics are scheduled for July 23, but the U.S. begins group play at 4:30 a.m. EDT on July 21 against Sweden. The U.S. is also slated to face New Zealand and Australia in group play.