Defender Ali Krieger Joins Orlando Pride for 2017 NWSL Season
Ali Krieger will be putting on an Orlando Pride kit next season as she joins the club for its second season in the NWSL. The U.S. Women’s National Team backline prowess, joins Orlando after spending the past four season with hometown team, Washington Spirit. En route to the 2015 Women’s World Cup trophy, Krieger and the American defense held opponents to just three goals with five total shutouts, going 540 minutes without allowing a goal.
NWSL Soccer News: Orlando Pride has announced the signing of defender Ali Krieger for the upcoming 2017 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season. In return, the Washington Spirit takes ownership of the Pride’s second-overall spot in the Distribution Ranking Order, while Orlando swaps to Washington’s ninth spot on the list.
Krieger joins the Pride after spending the last four seasons with the Washington Spirit, with the club falling just short of championship glory this past campaign.
Krieger scored four goals in a Spirit jersey, with her most recent tally leading her side over the Chicago Red Stars in the semifinals of the 2016 NWSL Playoffs. The Spirit advanced to the championship match versus the Western New York Flash, but their run was stalled by a late overtime goal that sent the match to penalty kicks. Flash goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo made three saves to clinch the title for WNY.
The D.C. area native and fan favorite has spent all four seasons of NWSL existence on her hometown team and just wrapped up her best season to date. Now 32, the 2015 FIFA World Cup Champion has made 63 regular season and three playoff appearances for Washington.
“We’re ecstatic to get Ali Krieger to the Club; she’s one of the best players in the country. She’s extremely experienced, a great leader, great personality and a great signing for us leading into 2017,” said Orlando Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni. “I think she’ll help both on the field and off the field. She’s a real, thorough professional so her preparation will start to influence and help our younger players. Her focus and her quality in her training and play will be a huge asset to the team.”
A Penn State University alumna, Krieger was allocated to Washington for the inaugural NWSL season in 2013. She was named to the NWSL Best XI in 2014 and the Second XI in both 2013 and 2016.
Krieger joins an Orlando side that is coming off its inaugural season in the NWSL. After a strong start to the 2016 campaign, the Pride was stalled following the international break during the Rio Olympics. Krieger brings experience and adds strength to Orlando’s backline as she remains in top form coming off another stellar year.
Kristen Edmonds led Orlando with 6 goals and 2 assists, along with Alex Morgan adding 4 goals and 1 assist during the 2016 regular season.
As the NWSL prepares for its 5th season, teams across the board begin to reload their squad as another year of women’s soccer in the United States remains a sight to keep your eyes one.
Photo Credit: Orlando Pride
