USWNT closes 2024 in a pivotal match as a legendary player makes her final stand | OneFootball

But when the USWNT takes the pitch at ADO Den Haag Stadium in The Hague this Tuesday, December 3, it will be more than a final bow on an emphatic year for the Americans. Filled with superlatives and upsets, the year had proven to be a resilient showcase of their dominance. On one side, a team that secured its international supremacy with Olympic gold; on the other, a Dutch squad in transition, dangerous despite without its star, Vivianne Miedema. For longtime goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, this game is one of the last in net, so that just means everything more. A golden year for the USWNT.

So far, 2024 has been a year for the history books for the USWNT. Under Emma Hayes, who took over the reins officially in May, the team captured its fifth Olympic gold medal and extended its supremacy in the international arena. With 17 wins, 4 draws, and only 1 loss this year, the Americans brought a 19-game unbeaten streak into tonight, having scored 39 goals and conceding just 9.

Against tough opponents like England and Mexico, the team was consistent, thanks to a solid backline and performances from veterans like Lindsey Horan and Rose Lavelle. But injuries to players like Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson tested the roster's depth.

Alyssa Naeher's farewell

Tuesday's game in The Hague will also mark the farewell for one of the other veteran guards, Alyssa Naeher, who counts 114 caps to date. There she was when it all went down in Tokyo and those penalty shootout saves against, of course, the Netherlands. Naeher mightily punched her ticket to go down as one of the most recognizable names at her position in history. Her leadership and those saves are the stuff of legend that will be hard to match. This game will be one for symbolic farewells in a high-stakes event.

This is a chance to celebrate her immense contributions over the years. For Naeher, this is an opportunity to cap off a career defined by extraordinary achievements, including two World Cup titles.

How the Netherlands is shaping up

Ranked 11th in the world, the Netherlands is also in a period of change. Under the guidance of coach Andries Jonker, experience with veterans like Sherida Spitse and Danielle van de Donk has merged with youthful energy from the likes of rising star Esmee Brugts. Their all-time top scorer may be absent in Vivianne Miedema, but the Dutch still showed resilience in a recent 4-1 win over China.

Miedema's absence is big. She has been the cornerstone of the Dutch attack, scoring 95 goals in 115 international appearances. However, players like Lineth Beerensteyn and Jill Roord have stepped up to shoulder offensive responsibilities.

A clash of generations

While the USWNT balances seasoned veterans with emerging talent, the Netherlands seems to be leaning heavily on its younger generation. Players like Wieke Kaptein and Brugts bring energy and dynamism, while Spitse and van de Donk provide the experience needed for high-pressure matchups.

On the American side, 17-year-old Lily Yohannes is one of the standout stories of the year. Having grown up in the Netherlands before choosing to represent the U.S., Yohannes has impressed with her promising performances. This match in The Hague, where she spent much of her youth, will be a significant moment in her budding career.