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Soccer fans and fraternities from the USWNT recently mourned the loss of Ken Krieger, an iconic soccer coach who took pride in nurturing next-generational soccer talents. He was the father of former USWNT and NWSL legend Ali Krieger. The late Mr. Krieger was 69 years old and was suffering from dementia. He passed away on Monday morning, according to reports. Subsequently, tributes kept pouring in, along with USWNT players and legends condoling the former American defender, Ali.

Ken Krieger was a high school soccer coach in Virginia, leading four institutions, including Osbourn Park, Hylton, and Forest Park, and was inducted into the Virginia Youth Soccer Association Hall of Fame. With a record of 386-184-37, he won four state titles and two national championships in a career spanning 30 years, making him the fourth-highest-winning boys coach in Virginia. Additionally, he was also influential in Krieger’s soccer life, which led to her posting an emotional message on Instagram.

Posting photos on Instagram, behind which lay an ocean of fond memories and emotions, Ali Kriger penned down a heartfelt note on Instagram. She started by saying, “Dad, Dadde, Pops, Kenny K, Kenny-Babe, and KenXMen, I love you and I miss you so much. There’s so much to say, and it will never be enough.” but had a few words describing what he meant to her. Krieger expressed her heart by saying that it “hurts to my very core, but I will accept and welcome all the grief” because of all the love she has for him, and she will be comforted by it.

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A post shared by Ali Krieger (@alikrieger)

Ali also mentioned that she is very proud of the relationship she shared with her father, which was filled with freedom and guidance to choose what she and her sibling wanted to do. Additionally, the Gotham FC center-back expressed her gratitude by saying that she inherited his soccer genes, which was the reason for her illustrious career. Apart from that, Ali also thanked him for his advice and support throughout her career. Her tribute also received a lot of responses from USWNT icons and players.

USWNT players join in to stand with Ali Krieger after her father, Ken Krieger’s demise

Two-time World Cup and Olympic Gold medal-winner Carli Loyd consoled Krieger writing, “So sorry to hear about your Dad 😢 hugs to you and your family. ❤”

2022 NWSL Shield winner Tziarra King wrote, “Sorry for your loss, Ali. Thinking of you and your family❤️.”

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Recently retired midfielder, Sam Mewis, wrote, “Sending love Kriegs ❤️,” followed by her sister who said, “Thinking of you Kriegs ❤❤.”

Monica Wright Rogers, the Vice President of WNBA team Phoenix Mercury, ❤❤ RIP to Coach Krieger, THE LEGEND! Prayers to you and the family!”

Her World Cup-winning teammate from 2019 also took a moment stating, “Sending love and Thinking of you and your family❤️,” along with Kelley O’Hara’s message with, “❤️.”

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Additionally, the USWNT page and also former USMNT star were few of them apart from many players who took the opportunity to send in their messages to the 39-year-old.

Meanwhile, Ali concluded by writing, “Your support, guidance, and unconditional love will always remain close to my heart and keep me inspired. I will continue to carry you with me until I join you again. I love you forever! Rest in peace. Love, Your “Little One,” which emphasizes that her father’s impact will always be etched through her life.

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Krieger recently retired from soccer, helping Gotham FC win the NWSL 2023. After all her contributions to the USWNT winning two World Cups, she now works as an expert with CBS Sports. But through every walk of her life, the USWNT icon will keep her father’s teachings and memories close to her heart.

Written by

Ruthu

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Ruthu is a Soccer Writer at EssentiallySports. Growing up in a sporting background, he found a passion for soccer through the remarkable 2002 World Cup-winning Brazilian team. Ruthu brings an out-of-the-box perspective with writing, as he possesses the ability to view the game from different critical angles, a skill that sets apart a sports journalist.
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Edited by

Riya Singhal