Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was voted the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Player of the Week by the NWSL Media Association for Week 5 of the 2016 NWSL season.
Naeher, 28, posted her fourth straight shutout to help the Red Stars earn one point in a 0-0 draw Friday against FC Kansas City. It was the team's first draw of the season.
Third such honor
It is the third time Naeher has been honored as the Player of the Week. She earned it in Week 17 of the 2015 NWSL season after a 12 save performance against the Washington Spirit, and Week 18 of the 2014 NWSL season. It is the seventh time a member of the Red Stars has won the award.
Naeher was acquired via trade with the Boston Breakers on November 23, 2015. She ranked second in the league with 65 saves after starting twelve games for the Breakers, who could surely use her services at this juncture.
In 2014, she set a league record with 106 saves and was named Goalkeeper of the Year. This year, she has proven to be the backbone of a stingy Red Stars defense that has allowed just three goals all year.
This past week against Kansas City, she made several great saves including one in the 73rd minute off a diving header from Kansas City's Shea Groom. Naeher came off her line and flew across the goal to block the shot with her right knee, in what will probably be the Save of the Week.
As stated, Boston could surely use the services of Naeher, who has provided not only stellar play, but has quietly become one of the team leaders for the Red Stars. Chicago needs to pick up their offense a bit to take the pressure off of Naeher and the defense as they await the Seattle Reign this weekend.
