Alyssa Naeher’s Farewell: USWNT Triumphs Over Netherlands in Thrilling 2-1 Victory
On a cold, rainy night in The Hague, the Alyssa Naeher era came to a triumphant close as the United States women’s national team (USWNT) secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Netherlands. The match marked Naeher’s 115th and final cap, and the team ensured her send-off was a winning one. With Lynn Williams delivering the decisive goal in the 71st minute, the USWNT extended head coach Emma Hayes’ unbeaten streak to 15 matches. But this wasn’t an easy win—it was a tale of two halves, tactical adjustments, and a glimpse into the future of women’s soccer.
First Half Struggles and a Fortuitous Equalizer
The Dutch came out swinging, dominating the first half with relentless attacks down the right wing. Their efforts paid off early when Veerle Buurman headed in a goal just 15 minutes into the match. The USWNT, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm, managing only one shot on target in the opening 45 minutes. However, luck was on their side as a Buurman own-goal in the 44th minute leveled the scoreline just before halftime.
Emma Hayes, known for her tactical acumen, made critical adjustments during the break. Substitutions, including the introduction of Emily Sonnett and Williams, shifted the momentum in favor of the USWNT. The second half was a different story, with the Americans taking control and ultimately securing the win.
Naeher’s Legacy: A Night to Remember
For Naeher, this match was the culmination of a decade-long international career that began in December 2014 against Argentina. Over the years, she has been a cornerstone of the USWNT, contributing to two World Cup victories, an Olympic gold medal in 2024, and a bronze in 2021. She leaves the pitch with an impressive 69 shutouts and a 17th-place finish in this year’s Ballon d’Or rankings.
On Tuesday, Naeher reminded everyone why she will be so dearly missed. Her first-half heroics kept the USWNT in the game, making crucial saves against the likes of Daniëlle van de Donk. The Dutch could have easily been up by three or four goals at halftime if not for Naeher’s brilliance between the posts. As the USWNT bids farewell to their legendary goalkeeper, the question of who will fill her shoes looms large.
Emma Hayes: Tactical Tweaks Save the Day
Hayes’ first-half formation left the USWNT exposed, with Sam Coffey and Korbin Albert struggling to hold the midfield. The team’s 4-2-4 setup was vulnerable to the Netherlands’ counterattacks, and the Americans were fortunate to escape the first half with a tied scoreline.
However, Hayes’ halftime adjustments were a masterclass in coaching. By switching to a back three and bolstering the midfield, she stifled the Dutch attack and gave the USWNT the platform they needed to push forward. Williams’ game-winning goal was the result of this tactical shift, showcasing the depth and adaptability of the squad.
Lily Yohannes: A Star in the Making
At just 17 years old, Lily Yohannes is already making waves. Having recently chosen to represent the USWNT over the Netherlands, Yohannes made her mark in Tuesday’s match just five minutes after coming off the bench. Her perfectly weighted header set up Yazmeen Ryan, who delivered the assist for Williams’ winner.
Yohannes’ decision to play for the U.S. was a significant win for the program, especially given the public efforts by the Dutch to recruit her. Playing just miles from her club team Ajax, Yohannes handled the pressure with poise, earning cheers from both American and Dutch fans. Her performance on Tuesday was a promising glimpse of what’s to come.
Netherlands: Missing Miedema but Finding Hope
The absence of Vivianne Miedema was keenly felt by the Netherlands. The prolific striker, sidelined with a knee injury, has been a key figure for Oranje, scoring 96 goals in 120 international appearances. Without her, the Dutch struggled to convert their chances, despite creating seven opportunities in the first half.
However, there were bright spots. Buurman, despite her own-goal, showed promise as a rising star, while 19-year-old Wieke Kaptein impressed in midfield. As the Netherlands prepares for the UEFA Women’s Euro in 2025, these young talents offer hope for the future.
Defensive Questions for the USWNT
While the USWNT ultimately prevailed, their defensive vulnerabilities were on full display in the first half. Left-back Jenna Nighswonger struggled to contain the Dutch attack, and even seasoned players like Emily Fox and Naomi Girma appeared off their game. Hayes’ tactical adjustments helped stabilize the backline, but the team will need to address these issues moving forward, especially with Naeher no longer in goal.
Looking Ahead
As the USWNT closes out 2024 unbeaten under Hayes, the team has much to celebrate but also areas to improve. Naeher’s departure marks the end of an era, but the emergence of players like Yohannes signals a bright future. For the Netherlands, the focus will be on finding a reliable goal scorer in Miedema’s absence and continuing to develop their young talent. Tuesday’s match was a fitting farewell for Naeher and a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of women’s soccer.
Originally Written by: Tom Hamilton
