Chicago City Wire

Chicago Red Stars players Alyssa Naeher and Mallory Swanson have been nominated for the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year award, as announced by the U.S. Soccer Federation.

Both Naeher and Swanson played significant roles in the United States Women's Olympic Soccer Team's successful campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they secured a gold medal. Their performances throughout 2024 on the international stage have earned them nominations for this prestigious award.

Alyssa Naeher demonstrated exceptional skill during the Olympics, becoming the first goalkeeper to achieve shutouts in both a FIFA Women's World Cup Final and an Olympic gold medal match. She allowed only two goals throughout the tournament and maintained clean sheets in all knockout round matches. With 17 appearances for her national team this year, she recorded 12 wins, three ties, and achieved a career-high of 10 clean sheets. In addition to being nominated for U.S. Soccer's Female Player of the Year, Naeher was also considered for the 2024 Ballon D'Or award.

Mallory Swanson led her team with four goals during the Olympic tournament, including scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Brazil that clinched gold for Team USA. She also contributed two assists and reached her 100th cap milestone during these games. Across her 15 matches with the USWNT this year, Swanson started in 12 games, scored six goals, and provided four assists while earning nominations for both U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year and Ballon D'Or awards.

Fans can vote for their preferred candidates from December 4 through December 13 on ussoccer.com. The winners will be revealed in January 2025.

Naeher concludes her competitive year today against Netherlands at Ado Den Haag Stadium in The Hague before joining Swanson back with Chicago Red Stars after a holiday break to prepare for preseason activities. The USWNT will hold a training camp mid-January next year.