The echoes of England’s agonizing FIFA Women’s World Cup final loss to Spain might still linger among fans. But, amongst the heartache, a piece of headline news has cheered up the fans with unbridled triumph. England’s women’s soccer team goalkeeper, Mary Earps, has ascended to the pinnacle of her profession, claiming the coveted title of the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) Best Goalkeeper for 2023.

But after what comes as a triumphant win for the Manchester United goalkeeper, a worrying situation arises in the USWNT camp. In a year of great recognition for Women’s soccer, the American players failed to make their mark on the coveted list.

The unprecedented achievement of the Lionesses GK, Mary Earps

In a year that witnessed intense competition between the goalposts, 30-year-old GK Mary Earps stood tall, breaking barriers and records. The IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper domain has been largely dominated by the likes of USA’s Hope Solo and France’s Sarah Bouhaddi. But, this time Mary Earps has ascended to become the first English goalkeeper to receive this prestigious honor. She also secured her position as the sixth woman in the world to claim this illustrious title.

Earps’ journey to this triumph was marked by her sensational performances at both the international and domestic levels. She paved the way to the finals for England in the World Cup and won the Golden Glove, despite failing to conquer the Spaniards. For her stellar performances with Manchester United in the Super League, she got a remarkable 5th-place finish at the Ballon d’Or ceremony as well.

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By looking at her stats and achievements this season, it becomes evident why Mary Earps emerged as the deserving recipient of the IFFHS Best Goalkeeper Award. As no American player made it into the top 10 of the list, it might signal a shift in the landscape of women’s soccer, initiated by Earps.

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Surprising omission of the American players from the list

While Mary Earps basks in the glory of her feat, a surprising revelation emerges from the IFFHS list – the absence of any American players. This unexpected turn of events raises eyebrows, especially considering the historical dominance of the USWNT. The likes of Hope Solo, who once dominated with four IFFHS awards, and her consistent presence in the list, defined the era. However, it seems like the tides have shifted, and this year’s list notably lacks any representation from the USWNT.

A closer look at their World Cup campaign paints a picture of their uncharacteristic underperformance. It even led to the exclusion of stalwart USWNT players like Alyssa Naeher from the list. It’ll be interesting to see how USWNT finds its way back to the top, especially with the arrival of new boss Emma Hayes.

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