Penn State Women’s Soccer Alum Ali Krieger To Retire From NWSL
Former Penn State women’s soccer star Ali Krieger announced that she will retire following the end of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season.
Krieger graduated from Penn State in 2007 after leading the women’s soccer team to compete in four Big Ten championships during her career. Her accomplishments included being named a two-time All-American honor recipient during her junior and senior years, and Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2003.
During her time in Happy Valley, Krieger switched from midfield to defense, a position she held on the USWNT during her tenure with the squad. She also served as the team captain for the Nittany Lions during her senior year and graduated having started in 87 matches. She scored 11 goals and had 19 assists.
Krieger also had a notable club career following her graduation from Penn State, with one of her most notable experiences on FFC Frankfurt in Germany from 2008 to 2011. There, Krieger helped the team secure national titles and eventually represented the United States nationally as a call-up to the USWNT.
From 2008 to 2011 she represented the United States as a defender on the USWNT, including her performance during the 2011 World Cup in Germany as her first world championship debut. Krieger and USWNT continued to be World Cup finalists in 2011.
Following her performance internationally in Germany, Krieger sustained a serious knee injury during her participation in the 2012 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying tournament. The injury eventually prevented her from competing in the 2012 Olympics. However, Krieger carried on with Olympic aspirations and represented the United States in the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
Krieger would help the USWNT achieve two international titles at World Cup events, first in 2015 in Canada, and for a second time in 2019 in France.
Following her Olympic debut and international successes, Krieger was traded to the Orlando Pride after the conclusion of her NWSL appearance with the Washington Spirit. Krieger now plays for NJ/NY Gotham FC.
Her retirement from the NWSL is expected at the conclusion of the season in mid-October.
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