For Emma Hayes, the void that Alyssa Naehar’s retirement left in the USWNT was “A massive one, especially with that experience.” The English tactician had had a great experience coaching Naehar in the 2024 Olympics, during which she only let in two goals and kept clean sheets throughout the knockout round and the final. Now that Naeher has officially stepped away from the international scene, it’s Hayes’ responsibility to find a worthy successor as preparations for the 2027 World Cup ramp up. Amid that search, NWSL star Casey Murphy has voiced her determination to contest for the “cut-throat” spot.

The North Carolina Courage star has been a part of the national team since 2021, having initially received her debut under then-coach Vlatko Andonovski. Yet, since then, she has only managed to garner no more than 20 appearances for the Stars and Stripes, which does come with an impressive 15 clean sheets. Such low numbers in getting chances is, of course, due to Naeher’s dominance. But now that she has left, Murphy would surely like to make her way to the top.

“Representing the national team is the highest honor as it also comes with the biggest challenges,” Murphy began during her recent conversation with former USWNT midfielder Sam Mewis on The Women’s Game podcast. “Every time, you step into that environment, you have to be your absolute best. It’s pretty cut-throat and I love it. It’s addicting because it pushes you to grow and constantly wants to improve your game.”

A healthy obsession, and to be fair, rather a safe one. After all, Murphy is familiar with the feeling of falling just short of the number 1 spot. It was evident during the Summer Games, where even though Hayes called up Casey in the roster, it was Alyssa Naeher who started in all six games.

But challenges have only pushed the 29-year-old to work harder, let alone get mentally stronger, consistent, and hungry to play more frequently. “You leave that environment, you just want to go back because it’s such a challenge. That’s always a place where I strive to be because it just keeps you wanting to get better and better,” added the former Montpellier goalkeeper. That’s the right attitude to have, considering how the No. 1 spot in between the sticks for the USWNT is now being eyed by a number of contenders. 

Getting a starring USWNT role ain’t child’s play for Casey Murphy, yet

“In my opinion, she’s the greatest goalkeeper this country’s ever had,” is how Emma Hayes described Alyssa Naeher’s impact on the USWNT. The former Chelsea boss even noted the challenges and time it took the former USA goalie to rule the No. 1 spot. Now, since the Chicago Stars veteran has stepped away from the international stage, Hayes has tested a variety of options in goal — six, to be precise.

Angelina Anderson, Jane Campbell, Claudia Dickey, Mandy McGlynn, Casey Murphy, and Phallon Tullis-Joyce are the names that have been given a chance or two to make their case for becoming the next potential Alyssa Naeher replacement. So things are more than just cut-throat for each goalie.

Though it’s true that Casey Murphy settles quite well in the eyes of Hayes, names like Phallon Tullis-Joyce or Mandy McGlynn have also made waves. Mostly, it has been Tullis-Joyce, who has become quite a sensation after having concluded an emphatic WSL season with Manchester United for whom she kept 13 clean sheets in 22 matches—tied for the most in the season with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton.

Not to mention that Tullis-Joyce has sort of become a regular starter, keeping clean sheets vs China PR and Jamaica. That only makes the competition tough for Casey Murphy, who wasn’t even called up for these games. But as she enjoys the hard-get role, we believe this a space that definitely keeps fans engaged. In the meantime, Hayes remains the judge.