By OkayGoal 
With the departure of Alyssa Naeher, one of the greatest keepers to represent the American national team, there remains a gap in the goalkeeper position for the USWNT. Goalies for the USWNT are some of the most notable figures in women’s soccer history, such as Hope Solo, Briana Scurry, and Naeher herself.
The NWSL has opened the gates for the youth to flow into the professional field. At a time when the USWNT needs a critical piece to their puzzle, will the influx of youth in the league make way for the USWNT’s future goalkeeper? Here we’ll look at five young goalkeepers who can possibly fill the USWNT’s goalkeeper gap moving foward.
Angelina Anderson – Angel City FC
As of late, the league has been dominated by elite goalscoring. Anderson has not recorded a clean sheet but has helped ACFC stay relevant in the upper half of the standings with 20 saves.
Earlier this year, Anderson received a call-up to the USWNT January Camp. Although not having yet recorded her first cap, Anderson’s call-up to the senior team camp in itself reflects how her skillset has caught the attention of many, and most importantly of Emma Hayes.
With her ability to prevent goals and sustain stability in the backline, it should come as no surprise to us when Anderson makes her first appearance for the USWNT. Whether she will become the senior team’s number one option in the coming years remains to be seen.
Hillary Beall – San Diego Wave FC
Even though not seeing the pitch just yet this season, Beall has made quite the impression with the SD Wave. At the end of last year, Beall re-signed with the Wave
After spending five years at the University of Michigan, Beall gained experience playing for West United in Australia. Beall helped the SD squad in the 2024 NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup and Concacaf W Champions Cup. Beall is no stranger to recording save after save. Her technique and skill will only strengthen with development since she is only 25 years old.
Her potential to help the senior team is undeniable. But, in all honesty, numerous young keepers are eyeing the USWNT goalkeeper position. Beall will have a lot to present in order to stand out compared to her counterparts.
Claudia Dickey – Seattle Reign
Currently sitting third in the NWSL’s Saves category, Dickey has shown great skill in maintaining a strong backline. In the seven games she has played in, she has recorded two shutouts. Reign’s success will have a lot to do with the rhythm the attackers play with and the stability the backline is able to contain. With Lynn Biyendolo giving Reign the ability to score at a high level, the squad is going to need a strong defensive side to balance the offense.
Dickey joined the USWNT senior team in Los Angeles for the January 2025 camp. This was her first experience with the senior national team. The exposure and attention Dickey will continue receiving while being a crucial player for Reign will only enhance the possibility of Dickey suiting up for the USWNT.
Jordan Silkowitz – Bay FC
Despite Bay FC being tenth in the NWSL, Silkowitz has displayed great athleticism on the goal line for her team. Her incredible save in Week 4 versus Chicago was voted Save of the Week. So far, Silkowitz is averaging almost three saves per game and has recorded two shutouts.
As Bay FC continues developing as a franchise, can Silkowitz’s skills prompt Emma Hayes to promote her to the senior national team?
Mandy McGlynn – Utah Royals
Although the Royals have a losing record of 1-1-5, McGlynn has been a familiar player in creating defensive stability. Even during her time with Gotham, McGlynn was capable of making incredible saves. She is helping move the Utah Royals in a positive and successful direction alongside the skill of Ally Sentnor.
With only two appearances under her belt, seeing McGlynn suit up for the senior national team in the near future should not come as a surprise to fans. She has received worthy attention from both the Royals and the USWNT after being extended by Utah until 2029 and being called up to the senior squad earlier this year.
Image via @angelinaanderson_
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