The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Netherlands 4-2 in a dramatic penalty kick shootout to reach the semifinals of the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher (Stratford, Conn.) put in a massive performance for the USA, saving two penalties during the shootout as well as another penalty late in regulation.
The victory marks the sixth time in seven Olympic Games that the USWNT has made it to the semifinal.
In a wild back-and-forth match, midfielder Samantha Mewis (Hanson, Mass.) and forward Lynn Williams — teammates on the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL and former roommates — combined for the USA’s two goals midway through the first half while the teams traded chances through 120 minutes, but remained deadlocked at 2-2 at the conclusion of extra time. The U.S. also had four goals disallowed by the slimmest of margins due to offside.
