Former Penn State women’s soccer goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher will sit out of the United States’ Olympic bronze medal match against Australia Thursday after suffering a hyperextended knee and bone contusion.

Naeher received the injury during Team USA’s game against Canada on Monday. Twenty-two minutes into the semifinal match, Naeher landed awkwardly after attempting to contest a cross. Eight minutes later, she was pulled from the game.

“I’m disappointed I won’t be able to be on the field Thursday with my teammates competing for a medal, but I know this group will bounce back from a tough loss,” Naeher said in a statement Tuesday. “I can’t wait to watch them fight for a bronze medal and I will be here to support the team in any way I can to help us get it done.”

Should the U.S. advance and Naeher get healthy, she’ll get the chance to continue a strong Olympic campaign. Her unstoppable performance against the Netherlands last week helped her team stay in contention for a medal.

Naeher currently plays with the National Women’s Soccer League’s Chicago Red Stars. She shined at Penn State from 2006 to 2009 and started 74 matches for the Nittany Lions.

About the Author

Acacia Aster Broder

Acacia is a junior from Philadelphia majoring in digital and print journalism with a sports certificate. Although she considers herself a Philadelphian at heart, she is a Toronto and Seattle sports fan. Follow her on Twitter @acaciaaster or Instagram @acaciaastr for hockey takes and mediocre analysis.

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