HARRISON, N.J. – NJ/NY Gotham FC Monday acquired two-time Women’s World Cup winners Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris from the Orlando Pride.
The Pride obtained a 2022 NWSL Draft first round selection, a 2023 NWSL Draft natural third round pick and $50,000 in allocation money. The 2022 draft choice is one that Gotham FC received from the Chicago Red Stars’ in a previous trade, with the pick number officially locked in at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 17.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ali and Ashlyn to our Gotham FC family,” Gotham FC head coach Scott Parkinson said in a statement. “They’ve played and won at the highest level and shown tremendous passion, courage, and leadership on and off the field. They’re special players and, more importantly, special people who will help make this club better.”
A graduate of Penn State University, the 37-year-old Krieger has more than 100 appearances for the U.S. women’s national team. She was a member of three U.S. World Cup teams (2011, 2015 and 2019) and has won two World Cups (2015 and 2019). During the 2015 tournament, Krieger helped anchor one of the best defensive performances in World Cup history when the U.S. defense recorded five shutouts and held opponents scoreless for 540 consecutive minutes.
“I’m honored and grateful for this new opportunity and cannot wait to get started with Gotham FC,” Krieger said in a statement. “I’ve heard great things about the club, its officials, and the knowledgeable coaching staff. I’m eager to gain a new perspective both on and off the field and having a lot of fun as we work to win an NWSL championship. I’m ready to give this city everything I have and to start this new journey with my family!”
Krieger played for the Washington Freedom of Women’s Professional Soccer, FFC Frankfurt of Germany’s Fraun-Bundesliga, Tyresö FF of Sweden’s Damallsvenskan, the Washington Spirit and Orlando. In 2008, she was a member of the UEFA Women’s Championship League team with FFC Frankfurt.
A two-time goalkeeper of the year in the WPS and NWSL, the 36-year-old Harris was a member of the 2015 and 2019 World Cup teams. She has recorded seven shutouts in her international career and has been the starting goalkeeper for the Pride since joining the team in its nascent 2016 season in the NWSL. That same year she was named NWSL goalkeeper of the year, registering 62 saves in 15 games. Harris set a NWSL all-time career record with her 469th save during a 1-0 win over Gotham FC at Red Bull Arena.
“My family and I are so excited to start this new chapter at Gotham FC,” Harris said in a statement. “Their communication and transparency have been top class and I look forward to playing for an organization that takes pride in these values. Gotham FC has already made our family feel at home and I could not ask for a better situation. I am grateful and humbled by their trust in us and we look forward to meeting the team and preparing for the 2022 season. Let’s get this party started, fam!”
Harris has played for the Saint Louis Athletica, Washington Freedom and Western New York Flash before joining the Pride. She played in the Tournament of Nations in 2018. She was also a four-year starter during her time at the University of North Carolina.
“Ali and Ashlyn are incredibly important additions to our club,” Gotham interim general manager Yael Averbuch West said in a statement. “I’ve seen their knowledge of the game, dedication to their teammates, and desire to win first-hand. I know they’ll have a tremendous impact on the field and in the locker room while also helping us cement our presence in this market.”
