“I Could Play Another Year”- Ali Krieger Unwraps Real Reason Behind NWSL Retirement

While the USWNT has seen some of the best players in the world represent the national team, Ali Krieger is amongst the cream of the crop. The former soccer star has proved her mettle over the years, bagging multiple accolades throughout her illustrious career. Krieger pulled the curtain on her career last year after securing her maiden NWSL title alongside NJ/NY Gotham FC.

The former USWNT star was present on CBS’ Kickin’ It earlier this week as she commented on multiple moments from her decorated career. During the show, when asked about her decision to retire from soccer, Ali Krieger claimed that her body just could not keep up.

“I could [play another season]. But last season I was having little muscle strains and little injuries here and there. I couldn’t play every single game, and that’s when I knew, along with running beside and chasing down 20-year-olds. I like all right. Okay, what is going on? I need to get out of here. They weren’t beating me, though, they weren’t beating me very often,” Ali stated.

She then added, “I could play another year. It’s just that the young ones can step in and take over. And it’s time, and it’s definitely my body too. It’s not worth pushing it through that physical stress, you know.”

Krieger had a decorated career as a defender of the USWNT during the 2015 and 2019 World Cup triumphs. Ali announced her retirement last season following her first-ever NWSL victory, becoming the oldest player to clinch the coveted title.

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USWNT Legend Ali Krieger

Ali Krieger walks out as a NWSL champion

Krieger was amongst the first players to join the NWSL bandwagon in 2013 following her decorated stint with the German side, FFC Frankfurt. Following her move to the United States, the defender made 200 NWSL outings representing the Washington Spirit and Orlando Pride before joining Gotham FC in 2021.

While Krieger had nothing left to prove to anyone, the first American Champions League winner proved her mettle last season, captaining the NJ/NY Gotham FC to their very first NWSL silverware. It was a storybook ending for Krieger and her side, with the franchise finishing at the bottom of the table in the previous edition of the tournament.

The USMNT icon, following her soccer career, now looks to make her mark in the media industry, with the defender joining CBS as their newest soccer analyst. Do you think Ali Krieger ranks amongst the top three players for the USWNT? Let us know in the comments below.

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