USWNT's Alyssa Naeher Amazes Fans as PK Hero in SheBelieves Cup Final Win vs. Canada

The United States women's national team almost blew a chance to win the SheBelieves Cup for the fifth straight time. Alyssa Naeher made sure that didn't happen.

The USWNT goalkeeper made three saves in the penalty shootout and scored one herself, helping the Americans preserve a 2-2 win (5-4 in penalties) and secure a seventh SheBelieves Cup title.

It appeared that Sophia Smith was going to be the hero on the night, notching a brace that gave the Americans a 2-1 lead.

But Adriana Leon—who had both goals for Canada—scored the equalizer from the spot in the 85th minute, setting the stage for penalties.

From there, it was Naeher's time to shine and she didn't disappoint, helping secure the victory with an epic performance in the penalty shootout.

Social media graced her with some well-earned plaudits after that showing:

Any shootout win for the USWNT is a form of catharsis for the Americans at this point after a penalty shootout eliminated them from the 2023 World Cup against Sweden. Naeher described that loss as "heartbreaking."

"We've put a lot into this as a group, as a team," she told reporters at the time. "It's not just this tournament, it's not just these past few weeks, you know? For us, it's been three to four years of a build to get here. There's a lot of sacrifices, there's a lot of commitments. And you know, this is what you dream of. These are the moments you play for."

The United States has more moments ahead, however, namely at this summer's Paris Olympics. The Americans haven't claimed gold since 2012 after winning at the Summer Games four times between 1996 and 2012.

The United States was on shaky ground after the World Cup disappointment. But this group looks to have stabilized and then some, a promising sign heading into the Paris Games.