45. Alyssa Naeher
It was a big year for Naeher. She nailed down the spot as USA number one heading into the World Cup despite stiff competition and she didn’t let her side down. Naeher stood tall throughout the tournament and her finest moment came when she saved a penalty against England with five minutes to go in the semi-final with the game poised at 2-1 to the USA. Back on domestic duties with Chicago Red Stars, Naeher helped her side reach the NWSL final with a clean sheet against Portland Thorns in the semi-final, but could do little to stop a North Carolina Courage rampage in the final. Naeher was voted into the league’s Second XI for her performances during the campaign.
Craig Harrington, Chicago Red Stars assistant manager:
“Alyssa is the best goalkeeper in the world and deserves big praise from everyone. In the last 12 months, she has shown her true level.”
| ⇐ 46. Jackie Groenen | 44. Hedvig Lindahl ⇒ |
The Offside Rule 