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MUST WATCH: Penn State’s Alyssa Naeher Saves US Women’s Olympic Soccer!

By Evan Smith

Jul 21, 2021; Chofu, Japan; United States goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher (1) makes a save against Sweden forward Stina Blackstenius (11) during the first half in Group G play during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Tokyo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mandi Wright-USA TODAY Network
Jul 21, 2021; Chofu, Japan; United States goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher (1) makes a save against Sweden forward Stina Blackstenius (11) during the first half in Group G play during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Tokyo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mandi Wright-USA TODAY Network /
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Former Penn State women’s soccer legend Alyssa Naeher powered Team USA to a pivotal Olympic win

Former Nittany Lion great Alyssa Naeher saved the US gold medal chances, stopping two Netherlands penalty kicks to help the United States advance to the semifinals.

The United States fell 1-0 to the Netherlands in the first half of the quarterfinal matchup in Tokyo.  A quick US response gave the Stars and Stripes a 2-1 lead before Netherlands tied it up early in the second half.  But that’s when Penn State’s Alyssa Naeher took over.

The Dutch were awarded a penalty kick in the 80th minute to take a late lead.  But Alyssa Naeher SAID NO, making an incredibly clutch save.

https://twitter.com/teamusa/status/1421089332333481986?s=21&fbclid=IwAR0nAlLfpdBh3s9tZ-1ezoZFkZhFCM8p7_mgLP-aubj6L6fcDxtiqa9KtPA

The game then went into extra time but neither team was able to find the back of the net, despite multiple USA goals disallowed (correctly) for offsides.

In penalty kicks, the Netherlands went first and were immediately denied by Naeher, making a diving save to her right.  The US and Netherlands then exchanged goals to give the USA a 3-1 lead after three rounds.  Then, Alyssa Naeher stuffed another Dutch attempt, sending the US team into a frenzy, only needing one more penalty to kick to advance to the semifinals.  And when Megan Rapinoe found the back netting, the team stormed both her and the hero, Alyssa Naeher.

https://twitter.com/BillyHeyen/status/1421104050339209220

The United States will face Canada in the semifinals on August 2nd for a spot in the Gold Medal game! Go USA!!

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