USWNT Legend Ali Krieger Announces Comeback From Retirement To Join Heather O’Reilly for TST Women’s Tournament

Two-time World champion and former USWNT defender Ali Krieger said Thursday that she will return to soccer to play in the inaugural Women’s The Soccer Tournament in June, joining Heather O’Reilly’s team. Last year, Krieger’s ex-teammate Heather O’Reilly entered the only all-women team in the TST and competed against men’s teams. This time the TST will feature eight women’s teams. O’Reilly’s side was called US Women when they competed in last year’s tournament and were coached by Mia Hamm. O’Reilly had earlier mentioned she would invite the likes of Krieger and Carli Lloyd to join the TST side.

“I’m so excited. Heather O’Reilly is putting a team together. Mostly former national team players. It’s a great mix. I don’t know if I’m going to be the only defender. I’ve only seen only a lot of attacking players,” Ali Krieger told ESPN’s Sebastian Salazar in a Futbol Americas episode. “I’m so happy to enjoy for a few days. I told her, I’m only signing up if we win. I’m very excited to play in front of the fans, the supporters, and some of the family members again,” Krieger continued.

Ali Krieger retired from the USWNT in 2021 after wearing the US colors on 108 occasions. She won two FIFA World Cups, a CONCACAF Women’s Cup, a SheBelieves Cup, and two Algarve Cup titles with the USWNT. Krieger spent her club career with the NWSL’s Washington Spirit, Orlando Pride, and Gotham FC. She retired from club soccer after winning the 2023 NWSL trophy with Gotham FC. Within a year of retirement, fans could see Krieger again in action in the TST. Now, let’s find out more details about the inaugural Women’s TST.

All about TST and Ali Krieger’s second stint

The inaugural edition of The Soccer Tournament took place in 2023 with Heather O’Reilly’s team as the only all-women side in the competition. TST games are played in a seven-a-side winner-takes-all format. The cash prize for the winner of the championship is $1 million. This time, the tournament will feature a separate competition for the women’s teams. In adherence to equal pay, the winners of the women’s championship will also get a million-dollar cash prize. It is yet to be learned as to who will feature alongside Ali Krieger in O’Reilly’s team.

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Like last year, the tournament will be held in Cary, North Carolina from June 05 to 10. The final of the men’s tournament and the women’s tournament will take place on the same day in the same venue. Eight women’s teams including O’Reilly and Krieger’s side feature in the first women’s TST. TST has yet to confirm which other women’s sides have made the cut. More teams mean, more USWNT veterans from Krieger’s batch could return from retirement.

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