The Chicago Red Stars acquired U.S. Women’s National Team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and a third-round pick (No. 22 overall) in the 2016 NWSL College Draft, it was announced today. In exchange for Naeher, the Red Stars have sent defender Whitney Engen, a second-round pick (No. 17 overall) in the 2016 College Draft and their natural second-round pick in the 2017 College Draft to the Boston Breakers.
Naeher, 27, was named the NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year for the 2014 season, where she set an NWSL record with 106 saves. In 2015, Naeher started in 12 games, managing to rank second in saves despite missing games due to international play.
After her record breaking NWSL season in 2014, Naeher earned her first cap with the U.S. Women’s National Team in December. Most recently, Naeher was a member of USWNT that won the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. A veteran through the USA’s youth national teams, Naeher was the starting goalkeeper for the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Chile. Conceding only one goal in the tournament she was awarded the Golden Glove, given to the best goalkeeper, for her play.
A three-time NSCAA All-American at Penn State, Naeher started and played in 74 games for the Nittany Lions. With a career record of 50-19-5 and 24 shutouts, she finished with a 0.89 goals against average. Engen, 27, was just recently acquired by the Red Stars via trade with Western New York Flash. A member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, Engen has accumulated 26 international caps. For the 2015 NWSL season, Engen was a member of the WNY Flash and started in all 12 matches she was available for.
Alyssa Naeher
Position: Goalkeeper
Nationality: USA
Date of Birth: April 20, 1988
Height: 5-9
Hometown: Bridgeport, Conn.
Previous Club: Boston Breakers
