It’s going to be a beautiful day for US soccer tomorrow as the 2023 NWSL season is set to kick off. All the teams are preparing for their opening fixtures and will be looking to clinch a win in their first game.

Last year, the OL Reign won the NWSL shield after finishing first in the standings with 40 points. While in the further rounds of the NWSL championship, Portland Thorns FC lifted the silverware.

This year, all the teams will be looking to clinch their hands on the silverware, and it’s going to be an exciting one. While everyone is happy with the league’s commencement, shocking news has left the soccer world heartbroken.

Fans get emotional after hearing Ali Krieger’s retirement

Gotham FC star Ali Krieger has announced that this will be her last season of the NWSL as she will be retiring from the beautiful game. The player announced her early retirement on Instagram by posting a video with the caption, “It’s about that time!! One more season to go.”

The news has pierced the hearts of soccer fans like a knife. Netizens around the world got a bit emotional. One said, “I’m crying,” while another said, “Who thought we’d get here?”

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One said, “Saw it coming but didn’t want it! You deserve to go out with a big bang, will be rooting from afar! LFG!” Many also had encouraging words for the defender. One commented, “Let’s get that NWSL championship for you. LFG Gotham!!!!”, while another said, “You’ve had one hell of a ride!! Now let’s get this, LFG!!”

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The club also had a few wise words for the veteran. “You absolute legend, Alexander Krieger. Thank you for giving us so much. One more season, LFG!!!!” Fellow former USWNT teammate, Carli Lloyd, gave her wishes, “Love you Kreigs!! Enjoy this last year!!” Moreover, her Gotham FC teammate, Taylor Nicole Smith, also had motivating words: “This one’s for you cap!!”

The focus will be on NWSL

It is indeed a tough pill to swallow that Ali Krieger is retiring from soccer, thus ending her 16-year professional career. The latter insisted that her entire focus will be on winning the NWSL championship, as it is still one of the only trophies that she has yet to win.

Krieger has enjoyed a stellar career both on domestic and international terms. The 38-year-old has played for a host of clubs in America. Besides this, she has also lifted two World Cups with the USWNT, thus making 108 appearances and bagging a single goal and nine assists. She joined Kevin Durant’s side last year from Orlando Pride. Since then, she made just two appearances for the Goths.

Moreover, Durant will also be looking to get his side to win the silverware this season, after the NBA star became a minority investor last year. Indeed, the 2023 NWSL season is going to be a terrific one, as it will be Krieger’s last dance with Gotham FC. Perhaps now the Goths have a solid reason to buckle up for the new season.

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