Chicago Red Stars acquire U.S. National goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher from Boston

Posted November 23, 2015 9:01 am

Daily Herald News Services

In a move to bolster its defense, the Chicago Red Stars acquired U.S. Women's National Team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher in a trade with the Boston Breakers, team officials announced Monday.

The Red Stars also get a third-round pick (No. 22 overall) in the 2016 NWSL College Draft in the deal with Boston. In return, the Breakers get defender Whitney Engen, a second-round pick (No. 17 overall) in the 2016 College Draft, and second-round pick in the 2017 College Draft. Engen, 27, was acquired by Chicago in a three-player deal with Western New York earlier this month.

The 27-year-old Naeher, 27, who earned NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year honors for the 2014 season, joins Red Stars keeper Michele Dalton on the Chicago Roster. Dalton, a Mount Prospect native, started 12 games last season for the Red Stars and recorded a .917 save percentage with 5 shutouts.

Veteran Karina LeBlanc, who started 8 games in net for the Red Stars last season, retired from professional soccer after the 2015 season.

Last season, Naeher started 12 games for Boston when she wasn't with the national team. Overall, the former three-time all-American player at Penn State ranked second in saves in the NWSL in 2015.

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