Arguably the biggest moment in the entire Women’s World Cup came in the 84th minute of the semifinal between the United States and England. Clinging to a 2-1 lead, the Americans saw a VAR ruling go against them, awarding the Lionesses a penalty to potentially tie the game. Alas, goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was up to the task, stopping Steph Houghton’s attempt and preserving the one-goal win.
A Stratford, CT native, Naeher is one of multiple players with Connecticut ties to have played in a World Cup, spanning various decades and even countries. Here’s the Nutmeg State’s impact on the women’s game:
Alyssa Naeher:
There were a lot of question marks coming into the event about the goalkeeping, as it was the first time since 1991 that Briana Scurry nor Hope Solo was in net. Naeher proved her worth, though, especially in the semifinal win over England. A Christian Heritage School (Trumbull) alumnae, Naeher was a three-time all-state selection in high school before going to Penn State, where she was a two-time First Team All-American. Aside from the USWNT she currently plays for the Chicago Red Stars of the NWSL.
Hannah Bromley:
The New Zealander made just 12 appearances for the senior national team, but was on the country’s 2007 World Cup roster. That year New Zealand went 0-3 and was outscored by a combined 9-0. Bromley’s ties to Connecticut comes via college, where she came to the states in 2005, starting at Tennessee Tech before finishing in New Britain with Central Connecticut for 2007 and 2008. In ’08 she was an All-NEC Second Team performer as a defender, helping the Blue Devils to an NEC championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.
Kristine Lilly:
The most famous Connecticut native on this list, Lilly is the most capped player in the history of international soccer – men’s or women’s. Hailing from Wilton, she made 352 appearance for the national team, debuting in 1987 (while she was still in high school!) and last appearing in 2010, and played in five World Cups, winning two (1991 & 1999). She’ll most be remembered for clearing a ball off the line in golden goal extra time in the ’99 final against China to preserve the 0-0 game, before Brandi Chastain and the team won in penalties.
Sara Whalen:
One of the best players in UConn history, Whalen was a three-time All-American in Storrs, and won Division 1 National Player of the Year as a senior in 1997. A defender her first three years – she was the 1995 and 1996 Big East Defensive Player of the Year – Whalen moved to striker her senior year, scoring 21 goals and notching 22 assists as the Huskies played for a national championship.
With the national team Whalen was a member of the ’99 World Cup team, appearing in three games, including extra time of the final against China. She accrued 65 caps in total with the senior team.
Stephanie Labbé:
Another UConn native, Labbé has spent over a decade with the Canadian national team as a goalkeeper, winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics and starting all four games in the 2019 World Cup, ending in the knockout round against Sweden. The Edmonton native played in Storrs from 2005-08, winning Big East Goalkeeper of the Year as a senior. Perhaps most famously, she converted penalty kicks for the Huskies, helping UConn advance in the 2007 NCAA and 2008 Big East Tournaments. Currently she’s a keeper for the NC Courage of the NWSL.
Toriana Patterson:
The UConn alumnae was born on Yorktown Heights, NY, but plays for the Jamaican national team. The Reggae Girlz made their debut in the World Cup in 2019, losing all three of its group stage matches. Patterson started one of those games, a 4-1 loss to Australia. Collegiately, after starting her career at Georgia she transferred to UConn and played from 2014-16. As a senior she was named American Athletic Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Year and was the Most Outstanding Defensive Player in the Huskies’ run to a tournament title.