Lyon, France (July 2, 2019) — “She saved our ass.”
That’s what Alex Morgan said after the United States Women’s National Team claimed a 2-1 victory over England. But, who is “she?” That would be Alyssa Naeher. The Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper and No. 1 goalkeeper for the USWNT had the game she’s been waiting to have at the World Cup.
World Cup: USWNT pile on the intensity, drama in 2-1 victory over England
Naeher saved the United States — literally. After a goal from Ellen White was called offside, England began firing on all cylinders. Naeher stepped up to the plate when called upon. That moment was a penalty kick, taken by Steph Houghton.
However, the penalty didn’t phase Naeher. She’s stopped them before and this was just another moment. However, this moment was different, because this time she was on the world’s biggest stage. If Naeher didn’t make the save, there could’ve been a realistic chance that the USWNT wouldn’t make their fifth-straight World Cup final.
That didn’t happen though. Naeher saved the game with a big-time stop against Houghton. After the match, Naeher said that “nothing” went through her mind.
“The team celebrated that like we celebrate a goal.”
Naeher wasn’t the only star of the show. Alex Morgan scored the game-winning goal in the 31st minute. She is now the first-ever player to score a World Cup goal in her birthday, as she turned 30-years-old today.
Christen Press, who started the match over an injured Megan Rapinoe, found the goal first, in the 10th minute, off a header.
The Goals and Saves for the USWNT and England
That @kelleymohara, @ChristenPress connection was *chef’s kiss* pic.twitter.com/LkzyGkvSwi
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 2, 2019
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, ALEXANDRA! pic.twitter.com/LjwKfmqwbV
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 2, 2019
What a goal!
Ellen White takes the lead in the Golden Boot race with her 6th goal of the #FIFAWWC. Great cross from Mead, clinical finish from White. 1-1! pic.twitter.com/U5GoaxbIRv
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2019
Rose forces a save from Telford!
Morgan collides with Bronze on the play and stays down for a moment, but can continue. #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/PFsY9dstEQ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2019
Let’s all take a second to collectively appreciate this save from @AlyssaNaeher because my goodness that was a beauty. pic.twitter.com/oDnhet3hsq
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 2, 2019
Playing this on a loop forever and ever and ever and ever 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸@AlyssaNaeher TAKE A BOW. pic.twitter.com/EM5WZjd4wT
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 2, 2019
Three Takeaways
- No, Ellis is not a magician: Calm down before giving all sorts of hype and praise to Jill Ellis. Once it was announced that Megan Rapinoe was dealing with a hamstring injury, all of the magic cards were put away. Putting Press in over Rapinoe almost seemed like blasphemy. However, all Ellis did was go to the next person. That’s nothing against Press; she deserved her moment to shine and did well with it. However, Ellis is not some tactical mastermind. She just did what any coach would do with an injured player.
- The shaky offside call: Ellen White looked to be onside, but the referee though different. There will be arguments made from the English fans that VAR referees should have taken longer to look at the goal. However, it wasn’t necessary in their eyes. However, Ellen White should have nothing taken away from her performance at the World Cup. Six goals is an impressive feat. In all honesty, it’s more impressive than the six Morgan scored, since five of those came from a Thailand team that hardly put up a fight.
- Rose Lavelle can’t catch a break: Rose Lavelle is such a great player when she is healthy. When she isn’t, it’s disaster for whatever team she’s on, whether it’s the national team or her club, Washington Spirit. Lavelle left the match early in the second half. She clearly mouthed the words, “It’s my hamstring.” However, after the match, she told reporters that her hamstring would be fine.
Just another tea party… 🇺🇸☕ pic.twitter.com/pdFQlEohFW
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2019
What’s Next?
The USWNT will await the winner of the Netherlands and Sweden match up. This is an interesting contest. Sweden has shocked the likes of Canada and Germany to reach the semifinals. Now, they have the European champions in their way.
The United States and Sweden also featured against each other already during the tournament. In the last day of group play, the United States defeated Sweden, 2-0. If they face off again, there’s a chance that Sweden will be hungry for revenge.
