Ali Krieger Labels Historic NWSL Triumph a Distraction – “I Was Putting Everything On The Back Burner”

The NWSL has seen some of the best players in the world take to the field over the years. However, few players have had an impactful career like Ali Krieger. The USWNT icon made history last season as she helped the NY/NJ Gotham FC clinch their very first title in her last season with the club. However, while Krieger was having a great time on the field, the same couldn’t be said about her personal life! Krieger parted ways with her partner Ashlyn Harris mid-season, leaving her in a depressed state of mind.

The player opened up on how soccer helped her take her mind away from what was happening in her personal life during her latest appearance at CBS’s ‘Kickin It’ alongside Kate Abdo, Clint Dempsey, Mo Edu, and Charlie Davies. Krieger stated, “Honestly, football helped me though. When I play soccer, you go out to the field and you don’t have to think about anything else. That’s the thing you focus on and you forget about everything else.”

She added, “Football was always an outlet, and so I would just use that as an outlet. I was so busy with soccer and winning a championship that I was just kind of putting everything on the back burner. Now, like at this moment I’m having to now process everything and sit with everything. So that’s why it has been a difficult couple of months.”

Ali Krieger’s thoughts are understandable, as players usually use the sport as a medium to push past their worries. With Krieger now retired from the sport, she has plenty of time on her hands and is bound to feel a void during her time away from the game.

However, it looks like the ex-USWNT icon isn’t sitting idle for too long, with Krieger joining CBS as their newest analyst. It seems like Krieger has taken to her new role like a duck to water, with the player giving the USWNT stern advice for the Gold Cup.

READ MORE: BREAKING – Alex Morgan Replaces Injured Chelsea Star In USWNT’s Gold Cup Roster Despite Initial Snub

Ali Krieger expects USWNT to play as a team

The former United States star was present on CBS’s morning show before the start of the CONCACAF Gold Cup as she commented on the team’s chances of winning the tournament. During the show, Ali Kriger advised the team to drop their individualistic mentality and focus on playing as a team. She believes the team can produce good results under the new regime and has a fair chance of winning the tournament.

It seems like the USWNT has taken Krieger’s advice to heart. The team started things of style in their opening encounter, bagging a 5-0 win over the Dominican Republic. However, the side has a tough challenge on their hands this week as they take on Argentina in their upcoming fixture. Do you agree with Ali Krieger’s opinion and believe the USWNT is the favorite to win the tournament? Let us know in the comments below.

READ MORE: “I Could Play Another Year”- Ali Krieger Unwraps Real Reason Behind NWSL Retirement