MM Goalie - Let’s Hear it for the Penn Staters on the USWNT

In case you haven’t been paying attention, the 2019 Women’s World Cup is taking place in France right now. The United States Women’s National Team is in the semifinal round, and will play England tomorrow afternoon at 3 PM ET.

The USWNT is perhaps the most successful international team that the United States has to offer, racking up multiple World Cup titles, as well as Olympic gold medals.

There are two Penn Staters on the current roster for the Women’s Team - goalie Alyssa Naeher and defender Ali Krieger.

Alyssa is the starting goalie for the squad, taking over the role in 2016, and has been exceptional in net so far this tournament. Through three group games and two knockout games, only two goals have been conceded. This is due in part to the stout defense the USWNT has, but when called upon, Naeher has turned away opportunistic attackers with aplomb.

Ali on the other hand is trying out a new role on the team - that of a backup. After being the starting right back for the 2016 Olympics, the 2015 World Cup, and the 2011 World Cup, Krieger has conceded her spot to Kelley O’Hara. So far, Ali has appeared in one game, the group stage match against Chile, which saw her prowling the back lines like her old self.

The USWNT has been consistently one of the best women’s teams in the world for years now, due in part to such exceptional players as Ali and Alyssa.

Thanks for making Penn Staters everywhere proud ladies, and good luck the rest of the tournament!