Dear Jill Ellis, A Note About Ali Krieger

Dear Coach Ellis,

On March 21st, the USWNT released their roster for upcoming friendlies. Many of us absentmindedly clicked through the Instagram stories announcing the players. They announced the defenders. We all did a double take. Is this the real life. Ir this just fantasy? It’s the real life! Our back line warrior has returned. Ali Krieger was on the roster.

We were overjoyed. Krieger will finally get her 100th cap! But, many of us wonder why it took so long. Why was she left off the roster for 2 years? Why bring her back now, so close to the World Cup? Why was she ghosted in the first place? Once the joy faded, the questions emerged.

Now coach, we have the utmost respect for you. It must have taken years of hard work to become the head coach of arguably the best women’s national soccer team of all time. Sure, some decisions have been questionable. But we understood the need for experimentation. After 2015, players retired and several succumbed to injury. It was necessary. Some things worked. Some things didn’t. Krieger’s name was left off one roster, then another. And another.

Were you concerned about her age? No need to be. Anyone who’s watched an Orlando Pride game knows she can outrun players 10 years her junior. Christie “Captain America” Rampone and Brazil’s Formiga show that age just means experience, not slowing down. Were you concerned about her health? Ali Krieger has been healthy. She’s had no major injuries. Were you concerned about technique? Krieger is possibly one of the most technically gifted defenders out there. And like wine, she just keeps getting better with time.

If the US wants any chance of winning another World Cup, we need Krieger in the back line.

2015’s Department of Defense was disbanded. JJ moved into the midfield. Kelley O’Hara is struggling with injuries. And many inexperienced players have left gaps in the defensive wall. Becky Sauerbrunn cannot continue carrying the defense on her back. Now that Becky is our Captain America, she needs her Bucky Barnes. Becky Sauerbrunn cannot continue carrying the defense on her back.

[pullquote]Now that Becky is our Captain America, she needs her Bucky Barnes.[/pullquote]

And that’s Ali Krieger. She not only provides support, but direction and leadership. Many tactical changes have been made, but you can always count on Krieger to adapt.

Krieger herself has said she would run through a brick wall for this team. Her love and dedication is inspiring to her teammates and fans alike. We have no doubt her presence will create a positive difference. She deserves that 100th cap. She deserves to wear that armband. She deserves to go to France.

It takes strength, resilience, wisdom, and adaptability to be a warrior. Ali Krieger has all those things. Her last name means warrior in German after all. She’ll make the right side, the strong side again.

Sincerely,
AK11 fans