USWNT Set to Conclude an Incredible 2024 Against the Netherlands
2024-12-03
Author: Ken Lee
The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) is poised to wrap up a remarkable 2024 with a final match against the Netherlands in The Hague on Tuesday, kicking off at 2:45 p.m. ET (8:45 p.m. CET) at ADO Den Haag Stadium. Fans can catch the live action on TNT, truTV, Universo, Max, and Peacock.
2024: A Year of Triumph
In what can only be described as a spectacular 2024, the USWNT secured its fifth Olympic gold medal in Paris and added to its legacy with a ninth world championship title, dominating the women's soccer scene like no other. Currently, the team boasts an astounding record of 17 wins, 1 loss, and 4 draws for the year, including a perfect 6-0 record in matches played abroad. Their sole loss was a surprising 2-0 defeat to Mexico during the Concacaf W Gold Cup.
Head coach Emma Hayes has led the U.S. to become a formidable force, having navigated 14 matches without a loss and allowing only nine goals while achieving 12 clean sheets this year. Players will soon take a well-deserved holiday break before regrouping in mid-January for training in Los Angeles, setting the stage for the 2025 SheBelieves Cup kicking off on February 20 in Houston.
Record Attendance & Milestones
The recent match against England attracted a record crowd of 78,346 at Wembley Stadium, making it the largest audience ever for a USWNT friendly and showcasing the growing popularity of women's soccer. Only three events in the program’s history featured a larger attendance.
Alyssa Naeher, recognized as one of the finest goalkeepers in USWNT history, recorded her 69th career shutout in the match and has announced her retirement from international play after years of exceptional service. Naeher was instrumental in securing numerous key victories and is set to close her international chapter against the same team she shut out in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup final.
Rising Stars: Weaving in the Future
The roster for the match not only includes seasoned veterans but also fresh talent. One exciting story is that of 17-year-old Lily Yohannes, who recently committed her international future to the United States. She has already made headlines by breaking records as one of the youngest players in international soccer and scoring in her debut against Korea Republic earlier this summer.
USWNT vs. Netherlands: A Rivalry Renewed
This upcoming clash will be the 12th encounter between the USWNT and the Netherlands. Historically, the U.S. holds an 8-1-2 record over the Dutch, with each of the last seven encounters being closely contested. The teams last faced off during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage, where they played to a tense 1-1 draw.
Nominations & Future Prospects
As the year draws to a close, the U.S. players have gained recognition through nominations for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024, reflecting their outstanding performances throughout the year. With the upcoming SheBelieves Cup and a plethora of talented players, the USWNT is gearing up for what promises to be another thrilling year ahead.
Mark your calendars and tune in for Tuesday's match; it’s a final chance to witness the magic of this historic team make soccer history yet again!