Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

Alyssa Naeher’s Heroic Saves Help USWNT Beat England 2-1, Reach Third Consecutive World Cup Final

Penn State women’s soccer alumnae Alyssa Naeher and Ali Krieger are World Cup finalists once again.

The United States Women’s National Team took down England in Tuesday’s semifinal by a final score of 2-1. With today’s victory, the USWNT will play in the World Cup final for the third consecutive tournament.

Naeher was the Americans’ starting goalkeeper once again. She conceded a goal on England’s first shot of the game, which came in the 19th minute after an excellent cross from Beth Mead found Ellen White unmarked in the box. The Penn Stater made her first save of the match in the 32nd minute, extending out to make a great stop on Keira Walsh’s long-range effort.

The USWNT’s first-choice shot-stopper was credited for another save early in the second half after snatching the ball out of chaos after a cross into the box by England. Naeher was beaten again in the 67th minute after White passed the ball beyond her reach and into the bottom corner, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR check for offside.

After a VAR review of a potential foul by Becky Sauerbrunn, England was awarded a penalty in the 82nd minute. Naeher denied the ensuing spot kick by lunging to her right and trapping the ball.

The Americans hung on to secure the victory with the help of Ali Krieger, who checked into the game as a substitute in the 87th minute to provide additional defensive cover. She came into the match at right back in place of regular starter Kelley O’Hara for her first USWNT cap since the group stages of this year’s World Cup.

Forward Megan Rapinoe, who scored four goals in the first two knockout games played by the USWNT, was left out of head coach Jill Ellis’ starting XI in favor of Christen Press. The decision was baffling to many, but Press opened the scoring in the 10th minute of Tuesday’s contest while Rapinoe reportedly sat out due to a hamstring injury.

Team captain Alex Morgan celebrated her 30th birthday by scoring her sixth goal of the tournament in the 31st minute. Morgan ran straight through the English defense to get on the end of a perfect ball from Lindsey Horan, and she nodded the ball home before busting out a truly incredible celebration.

Naeher, Krieger, and the rest of the USWNT now have a World Cup final to look forward to. They’ll face off against one of Holland or Sweden at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 7, and you can watch the final on FOX.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Mikey Mandarino

In the most upsetting turn of events, Mikey graduated from Penn State with a digital & print journalism degree in the spring of 2020. He covered Penn State football and served as an editor for Onward State from 2018 until his graduation. Mikey is from Bedminster, New Jersey, so naturally, he spends lots of time yelling about all the best things his home state has to offer. Mikey also loves to play golf, but he sucks at it because golf is really hard. If you, for some reason, feel compelled to see what Mikey has to say on the internet, follow him on Twitter @Mikey_Mandarino. You can also get in touch with Mikey via his big-boy email address: [email protected]

Zion Sykes Elected UPUA Student Body President

Sykes is a junior double majoring in political science and global and international politics and hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Penn State Alum Taking Passion For Storytelling & Cooking To Next Level

Gabrielle Chappel has taken her skills to FOX’s “Next Level Chef” where she competes on Team Ramsay.

Decorating Downtown: State College Resident Paints Town & Faces

Whether it’s faces or windows, local painter Emily Cooper has you covered.

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
164kFollowers
59.4kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by Mikey

What About The Class Of 2020?

On the heels of concrete plans for the Class of 2021, last year’s seniors still feel hung out to dry.

Dive In: Mikey Mandarino’s Senior Column

Penn State Hockey’s Peyton Jones Signs Two-Year Contract With AHL’s Colorado Eagles