Alyssa Naeher made 12 saves on Sunday in one of the best individual performances of the 2014 NWSL season, helping the Boston Breakers defeat Portland Thorns FC, 2-0, potentially derailing the defending champion Thorns’ playoff plans.
Time after time, Naeher denied Alex Morgan, Christine Sinclair & Co. Her most incredible save may have come in the 63rd minute, when she smothered Allie Long’s shot from just six yards out. SIX YARDS!
And yes, Naeher got some help from her defenders, clearing a few shots off the line and coming up with some huge blocks. Check out all the highlights below, and have a look at this photo gallery from The Equalizer‘s photographer, Clark Linehan, capturing some of Naeher’s best moments:
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- Alyssa Naeher’s outstanding play this season has culminated in two shutouts in her final three matches. (Photo Copyright Clark Linehan for The Equalizer)
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- (Photo Copyright Clark Linehan for The Equalizer)
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- (Photo Copyright Clark Linehan for The Equalizer)
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- Alyssa Naeher was voted NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year. (Photo Copyright Clark Linehan for The Equalizer)
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- (Photo Copyright Clark Linehan for The Equalizer)
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- (Photo Copyright Clark Linehan for The Equalizer)
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- (Photo Copyright Clark Linehan for The Equalizer)
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- Alyssa Naeher won the Germany round of the goalkeeper competition. But Ashlyn Harris is waiting. (Photo Copyright Clark Linehan for The Equalizer)
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- (Photo Copyright Clark Linehan for The Equalizer)
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- (Photo Copyright Clark Linehan for The Equalizer)
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- (Photo Copyright Clark Linehan for The Equalizer)
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- (Photo Copyright Clark Linehan for The Equalizer)
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- (Photo Copyright Clark Linehan for The Equalizer)
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- Alyssa Naeher made 12 saves in the Breakers’ 2-0 win over Portland. (Photo Copyright Clark Linehan for The Equalizer)
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- Alyssa Naeher stood on her head on Sunday as the Breakers upset the Thorns. (Photo Copyright Clark Linehan for The Equalizer)
