CONCACAF recently revealed their Female Best XI Awards, honoring Orlando Pride Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris as the Female Goalkeeper of the Year and Defender Ali Krieger as one of the best defenders in the region.
Both Harris and Krieger made several appearances for the U.S Women’s National Team this year. Krieger travelled with the team for the Rio Olympics and appeared in two matches during the Group Stage. Harris travelled with the team to Rio as an alternate, but started competing for the starting goalkeeper role after the termination of Hope Solo’s contract.
At the club level, Krieger helped lead the Washington Spirit to their first NWSL Championship. Although the team eventually lost in penalty shootouts to the Western New York Flash, the journey highlighted Krieger’s talents both as a leader and as a player. Harris took home the NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year award after her stellar season with the Orlando Pride. She ended the season with a 76% save average and won NWSL Save of the Week eight times.
Both Harris and Krieger have proven their dedication to both their club and their national teams. When the U.S Women’s National Team finished their run at the Rio Olympics, Krieger was the first player to return to her national team. Despite being called away to the national team, Harris started in 15 out of the Pride’s 20 matches last season.
Krieger and Harris will return to the pitch this Spring, at the start of the 2017 NWSL season. This year will mark the Pride’s second year in the league. Krieger and Harris will also both be joining the U.S Women’s National Team for their January camp, alongside Orlando Pride teammates Alex Morgan and Kristen Edmonds.
