USWNT Triumphs 3-1 Over Portugal, Honors Alyssa Naeher

The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) secured a decisive 3-1 victory over Portugal on October 26, 2025, in East Hartford, Connecticut. This match marked a significant rebound for the team after a narrow 2-1 defeat to the same opponent just three days prior. The game also served as an opportunity to honor former goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who retired from international competition late last year.

In a performance characterized by strong teamwork and determination, Olivia Moultrie emerged as the standout player. The 20-year-old scored two goals, the first coming just 45 seconds into the match, giving the U.S. an early lead. Portugal quickly responded, leveling the score in the fifth minute with a header from Jessica Silva, assisted by Beatriz Fonseca. However, Moultrie struck again in the 10th minute, restoring the U.S. advantage.

The final goal of the match came from Sam Coffey, who added her name to the score sheet in the 82nd minute, solidifying the win for the U.S. team. Coffey, who plays alongside Moultrie at the Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), demonstrated the depth of the U.S. squad with her impactful contribution off the bench.

Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics

Head Coach Emma Hayes made eight changes to the starting lineup from the previous match. Reflecting on the adjustments, Hayes emphasized the importance of compact play and effective ball control. “We did a better job of being compact, not chasing the ball in the wrong moments,” she noted. “If you want to control games and get players in the right positions higher up, then you have to build up very well.”

The match took place at Pratt & Whitney Stadium, where the U.S. team honored Naeher prior to kickoff. A native of Connecticut, Naeher enjoyed a distinguished international career, highlighted by her role as the starting goalkeeper in the U.S. team’s triumphs at the 2019 Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympics. She is recognized as the only U.S. goalkeeper to have earned a shutout in both a World Cup and an Olympic final. Despite her retirement from the national team, Naeher continues to compete for the NWSL’s Chicago Stars.

Injuries and Future Matches

Despite the victory, the U.S. team was without several key players. Trinity Rodman missed the match due to an MCL sprain, while defender Naomi Girma remained sidelined with a calf injury. Additionally, forward Lynn Biyendolo was excluded from the roster because of a knee injury and recently announced that she and her husband are expecting their first child. The team has seen other prominent players, such as Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson, take maternity leave this year. In light of these developments, Hayes announced that U.S. Soccer is working on more comprehensive “pre- and post-pregnancy” protocols to support players.

Looking ahead, the U.S. Women’s National Team will face New Zealand on Wednesday, November 1, 2025, at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, as they continue their preparations for future competitions. The team aims to build on the momentum from this victory as they head into the match against New Zealand.