Former USWNT defender Ali Krieger announces plan to retire
By Alex Windley
Defender Ali Krieger will hang up her boots at the end of the season after 10-years in the NWSL.
Krieger made announcement three days before the start of Gotham FC's 2023 season, setting her sights at winning an NWSL Championship in her final campaign.
“I really value club soccer, and the NWSL Championship is the only thing I haven’t won. I’m just throwing it out there into the universe and making that a goal for me and the team this year.”
After a disappointing 2022 season, where Gotham finished bottom of the league with 17 losses, Krieger revealed last year didn’t go as planned. But she is determined to turn it around with the help of new head coach Juan Carlos Amoro.
“It was terrible. I don’t think I’d ever been on a team in last place.”
Gotham boasts an impressive roster with a potent mix of defensive stability and offensive talent, including Krieger, Kelley O’Hara, Lynn Williams, Kristie Mewis, and Margaret Purce. If there’s any team in the NWSL that can turn it around, Krieger insists it’s them.
In her retirement announcement, Krieger also touched upon how much the landscape around women’s soccer has changed since starting her career 18 years ago.
“We’re not settling anymore for just being grateful. For me and my generation of players, we’ve had to fight for every little thing in order to have a voice. We fought for something bigger than ourselves.”
Lastly, the 38-year-old gushed about how her retirement would allow her more downtime and opportunity to grow her family.
“I also want to just take time for myself. I haven’t stopped since I began playing soccer and haven’t focused on sitting and really reflecting on my career. I think I’m going to just take some time with my family and just enjoy a little bit after this is done."
To watch the start of Krieger’s final season, Gotham FC will kick off its year against Angel City FC on March 26th.