USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher announces international retirement, with upcoming friendlies vs. England, Netherlands to be final matches

One of the greatest to ever put on a U.S. kit, Naeher is set to leave the international game after upcoming matches

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. Women's national team star Alyssa Naeher announced her international retirement Monday, with the 36-year-old set to play her final matches in a USWNT kit in upcoming games against England and the Netherlands.

  The only goalkeeper in U.S. history to record a shutout in a FIFA World Cup final and an Olympic Gold Medal match, Naeher is one of the greatest shotstoppers in women's soccer history, with her brilliant 11-year international career set to end.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  During her time with the USWNT, Naeher recorded a record of 88W-6L-14D and a goals against average of 0.50. She ends her truly historic career in third-place all-time in goalkeeper caps (113), starts (110), wins (88) and shutouts (68), only trailing USWNT goalkeeping greats Briana Scurry and Hope Solo.

  Across her storied time as a U.S. international, Naeher will be remembered for her 2019 heroics that helped the USWNT win the FIFA World Cup. In the semifinal match, she made one of the most memorable saves in USWNT history, stopping Steph Houghton's 83rd minute penalty kick to help the USA defeat England 2-1. That win preceded a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands in the championship game.

  Naeher ends her career as a two-time World Cup champion and a three-time Olympian, including helping the USWNT to a fifth overall gold medal in the Paris Games. She plans to play the 2025 NWSL season with the Chicago Red Stars.

• WHAT NAEHER SAID

  “Having the opportunity to be a part of the USWNT for the past 15 years has been the greatest honor,” Naeher said in a statement. “When I began this journey, I never could have imagined where it would take me, and now I find myself so grateful for all the incredible teammates that I have shared the field with; teammates that have turned into lifelong friends. To all my teammates, coaches and staff, thank you all for pushing me, supporting me, and making me a better person/player every single day.

  "A special thanks goes to my family. You have traveled all over the world and were in my corner every step of the way and I love you all. This has been a special team to be a part of and I am beyond proud of what we have achieved both on and off the field. The memories I have made over the years will last me a lifetime. I know one chapter is ending, but I am so excited to continue to see the growth of this team going forward and what more they can accomplish.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NAEHER?

  The U.S. play at England on Nov. 30 and then take on the Netherlands on Dec. 3. The two matches will cap Naeher's historic USWNT career.