The beginning of a new era for the United States women’s national team means saying goodbye to the previous generation. Ali Krieger is the next USWNT legend to receiver her flowers as she will be honored before the team’s friendly vs. China on Dec. 5 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Krieger announced she was retiring at the end of the 2023 NWSL season and finished her career in style by leading Gotham FC to their first championship. The 39-year-old’s club career ended in the best way possible and now she will be recognized for her national team contributions.
The star defender’s last appearance for the national team came in January 2021. It’s an incredibly classy move from U.S. Soccer to organize a proper goodbye for the two-time World Cup champion.
Ali Krieger farewell
Honoring Ali
We'll celebrate the career of @alikrieger before kickoff in Frisco, TX on December 5 » https://t.co/OVvvRvqZ3J— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) November 27, 2023
Celebrating our ✨IT girl ✨
The @USWNT is honoring Ali Krieger's decorated career prior to kickoff against China on December 5th. ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/QzePbdAolU— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) November 28, 2023
Krieger was a staple of the USWNT defense in the 2010s with some of her finest performances coming in the 2015 World Cup. During the tournament she played all but 10 minutes, helped lead the team to five clean sheets and only conceded three goals in seven games.
It’s fitting that Krieger’s sendoff ceremony will be ahead of the USWNT’s game vs. China as her one international goal in her 108 appearances came against China. Krieger scored in 2013 during the Algarve Cup.
Krieger said that the chance to say goodbye to the USWNT community means the world to her.
“Playing for the national team was a very special part of my career, and those experiences helped shape me as a professional,” Krieger said. “I’m honored that I get to say goodbye to the women’s national team and our amazing fans one last time and watch all the talented players who are continuing to carry the torch for this program. I’m super excited about my future off the field and the future of this game on the field in the NWSL and with the national team.”
