Goalkeepers to Watch in the FIFA Women’s World Cup
Image: David J. Phillip/Associated Press
As the last players standing between the opposition and the goal, goalkeepers are crucial to any successful team. These players are huge difference makers. Heading into the Women’s World Cup, a handful of goalies stand out from the rest.
Daphne van Domselaar (Netherlands)
Coming off an impressive season with FC Twente, van Domselaar kept 15 clean sheets this season, the most in the Eredivisie Vrouwen. She played in goal for a FC Twente side that conceded only six goals, the least in the Eredivisie Vrouwen. If Netherlands are to make a serious run for the Women’s World Cup title, van Domselaar could be a key figure in their squad.
Mary Earps (England)
Hoping to make her first World Cup appearance for England, Earps has made a solid case to start with her performances for Manchester United. This season, Earps had the most clean sheets (14), best clean sheet percentage (63.6%) and least goals against per 90 minutes (0.55) in the Women’s Super League. Earps is a strong contender for the Golden Glove award for the best goalkeeper in the Women’s World Cup.
Photo Credit: Omar Vega/Getty Images
Kailen Sheridan (Canada)
Playing for expansion side San Diego Wave in the NWSL, Sheridan has had a great start to the season. So far in 12 games played, Sheridan has kept five clean sheets and has a save percentage of 80.7%. Sheridan will hope to play her part as Canada looks to challenge for a Women’s World Cup title.
Photo Credit: sportingnews.com
Alyssa Naeher (USA)
Naeher and the Chicago Red Stars may be having a tough season in the NWSL, but don’t count Naeher out to make big performances in the Women’s World Cup. At the last Women’s World Cup, she conceded only three goals from 15 shots on target throughout the entire tournament (seven games) as the USWNT went on to win the tournament.
Merle Frohms (Germany)
In Frohms’s last tournament with Germany (the Euros), she conceded only three goals, made 14 saves and kept four clean sheets, all in six games. She will be looking to avoid the heartbreak that Germany experienced in the Euros when they lost to England in the final. If she keeps up her performances, expect Germany to go far in the Women’s World Cup.
