Cover photo by NY Daily News
Meola, Scurry, Friedel, Keller, Solo, Howard. You know the names now you can watch the games. Here are the most important matches by American goalkeepers on the international stage, including both the senior and youth national teams. Criteria for the list included a goalkeeper’s overall impact, the match, the historical relevance, and the stage the match was played on.
1. BRIANA SCURRY VS. CHINA - 1999 WORLD CUP FINAL
Setting: 1999 World Cup Final. The US had finished a respectable third in 1995 but weren't willing to accept anything less than winning the 1999 tournament.
Why it's great: There isn’t a more iconic save in American soccer history. While it’s true that Scurry had very little to do in the match prior to the save, and the referees were extremely generous with the goalkeepers leaving their line early, it’s impossible to overstate the impact of this one save as it laid the foundation for countless factors on the women’s soccer scene.
2. BRAD FRIEDEL VS. SOUTH KOREA - 2002 WORLD CUP
Setting: 2002 World Cup. The US and South Korea are both coming off big wins in their first game (3-2 over Portugal and 2-0 over Poland, respectively). Going into their second game, either team could secure their bid to the knockout stage with win.
Why it's great: Friedel did more than his fair share to help earn the point for the US. If they lose this game they don't escape group stage and the storied run to the quarterfinals washes away. There's a penalty save, which Friedel would later finish the tournament with a total of two penalty saves, and three shots saved from within ten yards. It’s arguably Friedel’s best performance with the national team and the stage doesn’t get much bigger for the USMNT.
3. BRIANA SCURRY VS BRAZIL - 1999 WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL
Setting: After a narrow 3-2 win, where the US came back from behind twice in the match, the Americans face Brazil in the semifinals.
Why it's great: Coach Tony DiCicco summed it up well, “Briana just took over.” The final would go on to overshadow Scurry’s semifinal performance but Scurry prevents multiple goals in the 2-0 win for the US. Displaying impressive extension dives and shutting down crosses into the box, Scurry was performing on another level when compared to her peers.
4. KASEY KELLER VS. BRAZIL - 1998 GOLD CUP SEMIFINAL
Setting: 1998 Gold Cup. Brazil, CONMEBOL's representative and tournament invitee, had struggled in the group stage but advanced to the the semifinals of the tournament to meet the US. The US had never beaten Brazil at this point (and hasn't since).
Why it's great: While Brazil wasn't playing their best going into the game (they had previously tied both Jamaica and Guatemala in the group stage), Keller ends up making ten saves and shocks Brazil's striker Romário so much that he congratulates Keller during the game. Later Romário would go on to say, “That is the best performance by a goalkeeper I have ever seen." While failing Brazilian strikers aren’t the best litmus test for gauging goalkeepers, it’s not a bad start either.
5. FRANK BORGHI VS ENGLAND - 1950 WORLD CUP
Setting: 1950 World Cup. The US lost their opener 3-1 to Spain, giving up all thee goals in the last ten minutes. Facing the best team in the world, the US had a tall task ahead of them in the second of two group stage games.
Why it's great: While the US would struggle to close out either of it’s two other group stage matches, Borghi’s performance is the lone bright spot for Americans on the international stage for over 50 years, as the US would not return to the World Cup until 1990. Additionally, it’s the only American goalkeeper performance that’s been the subject of a full-length feature film.
6. ALYSSA NAEHER VS. ENGLAND - 2019 WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL
Setting: Naeher wasn’t utilized much in the first five matches for the US’s 2019 World Cup run and while everyone expected a close match, it was largely assumed the team’s pressing would remove most responsibility for Naeher.
Why it's great: Despite being overlooked by many, Naeher provided two clutch saves in a surprisingly close match, including a long-distance shot destined for the top corner and an untimely penalty. It wasn’t the most active night for Naeher but she reminded everyone why she is more than capable to replace Hope Solo.
7. TIM HOWARD VS. BELGIUM - 2014 WORLD CUP
Setting: 2014 World Cup Knockout Stage. The US slipped through the supposed Group of Death only to face Belgium in the round of 16.
Why it's great: Despite not being able to pull out the win, it was because of Howard that the US was able stay in contention for so long, losing 2-1 in extra time. Howard tallied sixteen saves in total, a World Cup record. Howard’s performance would reach national fame, including receiving a call from President Obama.
8. JIMMY DOUGLAS VS PARAGUAY, 1930 WORLD CUP
Bob Thomas/Popperfoto/Getty Images
Setting: After two unsuccessful campaigns in the 1924 and 1928 Olympic games, losing their final matches 3-0 to Uruguay and 11-2 to Argentina, respectively, the US rebounded in their opening match of the first World Cup.
Why it’s great: While the 3-0 win over Belgium wasn’t entirely eventful for Douglas, the Times would praise Douglas and the defensive unit, “the backs and goalie were unbeatable”. Perhaps most telling of his impact, when Douglas was removed in the semifinal matchup against Argentina due to an injury, the team would go on to lose 6-1. The Americans had a strong run in the tournament, finishing third, but it’s Douglas who holds the distinction of being in net for the first shutout in World Cup history.
9. TIM HOWARD VS. MEXICO - 2012 FRIENDLY
Setting: One of the most important friendlies in US history. The US enters the game winless in Mexico in 24 matches. Fourteen months earlier, the US blew a 2-0 lead in the 2011 Gold Cup to lose 4-2 and Mexico's U23 team won the recent Olympic tournament. Things were not looking the US's way.
Why it's great: It’s a historic, first win at Azteca and Howard has two unreal saves at the end of the game. Yes, it was a friendly but the win helped propel the US to turn the tide against a largely favorable run for Mexico.
10. TONY MEOLA VS. ENGLAND - 1993 US CUP
Setting: 1993 US Cup. America had come off a 2-0 loss to Brazil and turned around to play England in their second game.
Why it's great: Meola has the game of his life, shutting down England repeatedly. While the US finished third in the tournament, it was Meola who secured England’s last-place finish by saving goal after goal. The consequences aren’t severe from the win but as far as goal-saving performances go, this is at the top.
BEST OF THE REST
11. David Vanole vs. Costa Rica, 1989 World Cup Qualifier - The US’s 1986 World Cup qualifying ended at the hands of Costa Rica, losing 1-0 in Los Angeles. Four years later, the US is into the final round of qualifying riding on the momentum of topping Jamaica in the previous round and Mexico getting banned from qualifying by FIFA. Listen to head coach Bob Gansler and teammate John Harkes recount Vanole’s match-saving stop.
12. Hope Solo vs. Australia, 2015 World Cup - Early on, Solo was tested from just inside the 18 (5th minute) and again on a one-time volley (12th minute) but the Aussies were held at bay on both attempts. The game would be 1-1 at halftime before the US would open it up in the second half, winning 3-1. It was a mostly quiet second half but it easily could have been 3-1 the other way had it not been for some crucial stops from Solo.
13. Hope Solo vs. Brazil, 2011 World Cup Quarterfinal - After all the drama from the 2007 World Cup matchup against Brazil, it seems only fitting that Solo would have something to prove when the two teams went to penalties in the knockout round. While the US would lose to Japan in the final, Solo would finish the tournament with the Best Goalkeeper award.
14. Tony Meola vs. Colombia, 1994 World Cup - Meola’s best save of the match was unfortunately immediately followed by Colombia’s lone goal in a 2-1 win for the US. True to his nature, Meola did an excellent job of shutting down through balls into the box with his explosive speed, as well as handling some dangerous headers flicked on to frame. Meola’s involvement with the match wasn’t the most when you survey the field, but he was in net for the US’s first World Cup win since 1950, propelling them out of the group stage since 1930.
15. Tim Howard vs. England, 2010 World Cup - The last time the two played in the World Cup was in 1950 when the US won 1-0. While it wasn’t exactly the right start for the US in the night, Howard made sure there weren't any more goals after that. He would win Man of the Match and preserve the much-needed point that eventually put the US atop the group.
16. Briana Scurry vs. Brazil, 2004 Olympics Final - Scurry and the USWNT would need extra time in an eventual 2-1 win over the Brazilians but it was because of Scurry’s low saves and denial of an indirect kick in the box that kept her team in the gold medal match. 2004 would be Scurry’s last tournament run as the starting goalkeeper.
17. Hope Solo vs. Canada, 2012 Friendly - Watch quite possibly the best save by any US goalkeeper ever at 2:05 that earmarked Solo’s tenacious approach to being the number one for the USWNT.
18. Brad Friedel vs Mexico, 1996 US Cup - The 2-2 draw cemented Mexico’s gold medal finish in the short-lived tournament but Friedel showcases an amazing save in the 22nd minute and a clutch footsave in the 61st.
19. Briana Scurry vs. North Korea, 2003 World Cup - Scurry faced two looping shots under the crossbar that, if faced against another goalkeeper, they’re certainly goals. Of course, Scurry covers them with ease in a 2-0 group stage win.
20. Hope Solo vs. Japan, 2012 Olympic Final - The year before the US’s World Cup pursuit ended short in penalties to Japan in an emotional finale. Fast-forward a year and it’s the same two teams in the final, both going for an Olympic gold. With multiple high reflex saves, including a massive 1v1 stop near the end of the game, Solo led the US to the gold medal stage.
21. Hope Solo vs. France, 2011 World Cup Semifinal - The 3-1 win is a little deceiving as the US scored two goals late into the match, long after Solo made an important 1v1 save in the first half of the World Cup semifinal. It was a tightly contested battle that only opened up late into the match.
22. Tony Meola vs. Trinidad and Tobago, 1990 World Cup Qualifying - This game is largely remembered for a singular offensive moment but Meola made some crucial stops in the defensive third by coming off his line and shutting down attacks. This was the final game in WC qualifying, where the US gave up just three goals over the eight matches in the CONCACAF Championship.
23. Chris Seitz vs. Brazil U20s, 2007 U20 World Cup - Seitz weathers the storm, providing a number of saves throughout the match, including a big double save in the 86th minute. The win would be the springboard for the US to finish 7th at the U20 World Cup, one of its best finishes at the time.
24. Kasey Keller vs. New Zealand, 1999 Confederations Cup - Keller has two extension saves against New Zealand in their opening game of the 1999 Confederations Cup, helping the US win 2-1.
25. Kasey Keller vs. Iraq, 1989 U20 World Cup Quarterfinal - Keller was the anchor for the 1989 run, seeing the US finish fourth in the tournament. The US beat Iraq in the quarterfinals in extra time before falling short to Nigeria in the semifinal match. The team would unanimously support Keller’s outstanding play as well as see him earn praise from FIFA. Keller was awarded the Silver Ball, the tournament’s second-best player.
26. Tim Howard vs. Spain, 2009 Confederations Cup Semifinal - Howard snaps Spain's thirty-five game unbeaten streak with a shutout in the 2009 Confederations Cup. Howard would finish up the Confederations Cup by winning best goalkeeper of the tournament. Not a ton of involvement from the Evertonian but still a massive win in the end.
27. Brad Friedel vs. Mexico, 2002 World Cup - Not the most exciting 2-0 shutout but Friedel deals well with some dangerous high balls in the US’s most notable win ever over Mexico, setting up their best World Cup finish since 1930.
28. Alyssa Naeher vs. Canada, 2024 Gold Cup Semifinal - Following a disappointing foul in the box, Naeher responds by saving three penalties and netting her own in put the US in the final.
29. Kyle Campbell vs Italy U20s, 1991 U16 World Cup - Campbell and the US opened the U17 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Italy, after which Campbell would receive an award from Pele. The U17s would finish fifth in the tournament, losing in penalties to Qatar in the quarterfinals.
30. Brian Bailey vs. Brazil U16s, 1989 U16 World Cup - The Washington Post would praise Bailey’s efforts in the 1-0 win, as he “saved the victory eight minutes into the second half when he smothered a shot from the wide-open Marcio.”
31. Kasey Keller vs. Costa Rica, 2005 World Cup Qualifier - Keller builds off his 2006 campaign with some very nice saves in a 3-0 win.
32. Kasey Keller vs. Panama, 2005 World Cup Qualifier - Keller displays the rarely seen but always fantastic triple-save against Panama.
33. Josh Lambo vs Germany, 2007 U17 World Cup - The U20s stumbled into the round of 16 against the heavily favored German-side. The US lost 2-1 but Lambo would do his best to keep the US in the game, including a save in the second half (1:25 in video) that resulted in a handshake from the referee, according to Josh Lambo on the Goalkeeper Union podcast.
34. Brad Guzan vs. Mexico, 2013 World Cup Qualifier - Longtime back Brad Guzan fills in mightily for Howard when he's dealing with a back injury, earning a rare point at Azteca in WCQ. Guzan never looked overwhelmed and held his ground strong in situations that could have easily ended up with the ball in the net.
35. Kasey Keller vs. Mexico, 2001 World Cup Qualifier - It’s only the second of two losses included on this list but Keller stood on his head to keep the scoreline only at 1-0 for a World Cup qualifier in Mexico.
36. Tim Howard vs. Argentina, 2008 Friendly - The US is coming off of losses to England and Spain and heading into their first World Cup Qualifying, need some momentum. Howard rises to the challenge, stopping three 1v1s all in the first half.
37. DJ Countess vs. England, 1999 U20 World Cup - The U20s would end up losing in the knockout round 3-2 to Spain, the eventual champions, but Countess’ efforts in the opening rounds impressed many, including European scouts.
38. Brad Guzan v Panama, 2017 Gold Cup - A disappointing team-effort from the USMNT but Guzan manages to help salvage a point in the opening game of the 2017 Gold Cup with some quick reactions in a 1-1 tie.
39. Hope Solo vs. China PR, 2006 Friendly - Solo displays an incredible double save. Skip to 2:15 for the acrobatic display.
40. Marcus Hahnemann vs. Guatemala, 2005 World Cup Qualifier - Hahnemann earned nine caps for the national team, including this one here where the long-time Reading goalkeeper makes a couple nice saves against Guatemala for the 2006 World Cup Qualifying, including a top-notch save at 2:25
41. Matt Turner vs. England, 2022 World Cup - In a mostly uneventual outing, Turner helped preserve the US’s untarnished World Cup record against big brother England.