USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher ruled out of bronze medal match

CHICAGO – U.S. Women’s National Team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher suffered a hyperextension of her right knee and a bone contusion when she landed awkwardly in the 22nd minute while contesting a cross on Aug. 2 in the Olympic semifinal match. She tried to stay in the game, and did so for eight more minutes, but then had to be subbed off.

Naeher had an MRI following the game which showed no ligament damage, but she will not be available for the bronze medal match on Aug. 5 vs. Australia in Kashima, Japan. She will likely be sidelined for several weeks.

“I’m disappointed I won’t be able to be on the field Thursday with my teammates competing for a medal, but I know this group will bounce back from a tough loss,” said Naeher. “I can’t wait to watch them fight for a bronze medal and I will be here to support the team in any way I can to help us get it done.”