Legendary goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher retires, taking her ever-present calm with her

Alyssa Naeher, the renowned goalkeeper, has announced her retirement from professional soccer, taking with her the tranquil composure she has become synonymous with. On the 2019 World Cup semifinal match in France, Naeher saved a penalty from England captain Steph Houghton to secure her team's 2-1 lead. Her deft dive and subsequent instruction to her teammates to return to play exemplified her ability to maintain composure and control during crucial moments.

Naeher's career spanned from her entry into the Women's Professional Soccer in 2010 to her tenure in the Bundesliga and her subsequent return to the U.S. in 2013 with the Breakers. Despite the Breakers' struggles during her time there, Naeher's steady presence and impeccable goalkeeping kept the team together. She was traded to the Chicago Stars in 2016, where her calm demeanor earned her the moniker "Uncle," a title given to her by her teammates.

Naeher's retirement marks the end of an era, as she was one of the last remaining original players in the NWSL, having started playing in the league in 2013. Her legacy extends beyond her athletic prowess, as she was a pillar of leadership and stability for her teams, an invaluable asset that will be deeply missed.