Megan Rapinoe and Ali Krieger, two of the most successful soccer players in history, are ending their careers this year. They have celebrated great successes together with the US team, and now they are facing each other in their last game in the final of the US championship.
For many football fans it is the dream final in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The two-time world champions Megan Rapinoe and Alexandra “Ali” Krieger have the chance to win one last major title before they officially hang up their boots. Rapinoes OL Reign and warriors Gotham FC meet in the final on Saturday San Diego each other.
As text messages show, the warrior shared on social networks, the two footballers joked about reaching the final in September and they were proven right. Winning the title in the domestic league would be a dream for both players at the end of their careers. Asked about the duel with her friend, replied Rapinoe: “I’m happy for her if she wins, but at the same time I hope I’m the one with the ‘Oh, I feel sorry for you’ moment.”
Megan Rapinoe – the dazzling superstar of women’s football
Megan Rapinoe is probably the most famous face in women’s football. The US icon has defined an era over the past 17 years and in over 200 international matches and has won everything there is to win with Olympic gold and two world championship titles.
After the surprising elimination of the American national team in the round of 16 at the World Cup in Australia and the associated disappointing departure of Rapinoethe world footballer of 2019 wants to be in the NWSL say goodbye to their fans with the title.
Ali Warrior – Leading player and Role model athlete
World champion, Women’s Cup-Winner and German champion as well as cup winner – the list of titles from Ali Warrior is long. As a world-class defender and leader, she has set new standards in women’s soccer with the American national team in more than 100 international matches.
Also at club level warrior celebrate great success – with FFC Frankfurt she not only won three national titles, but also became the first American to win one Women’s Cupthe forerunner of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. In 2013 it moved warrior from Germany back to her homeland, where she worked in… Washington and Orlando the jersey of since 2022 Gotham FC carries. For the 39-year-old, winning the title would be that “ultimate gift” at the end of her long career. “Not that it would define my career, but it’s something I’ve wanted for so long. I wouldn’t have to feel like I want to play another year because the work isn’t done yet.”
Rapinoe and Krieger – role models off the pitch too
However, the work of the two football stars goes far beyond titles and trophies. As well as Megan Rapinoe as well as Ali Warrior stand up for LGBTQIA+-rights and position themselves publicly against racism and for equality.
Together with their fellow members of the national team, they filed a class action lawsuit against their own association in 2019 and after years of fighting for “Equal pay” in American football.
In the past, both athletes have not shied away from the world football association FIFA or the politics of the former US president Donald Trump to critisize. Through their social and political commitment, the two exceptional athletes are not only role models for their fans, but also for a new generation of female footballers.
Rapinoe and Krieger – with Surprise teams in the final
Now the two friends and former US teammates will meet in the final of the National Women’s Soccer League each other one last time. As well as Megan Rapinoe as well as for Ali Warrior and both their clubs it would be their first title win in the NWSL.
And Gotham is already the big surprise in this year’s championship. After Krieger’s club finished last year’s season in last place, it is now even aiming for the title in the US league.
In the playoffs-Quarterfinals could be Gotham away with 2:0 against North Carolina prevail before the defending champions are eliminated in a semi-final thriller Portland beaten by a goal in extra time. Megan Rapinoes Reign OL One goal in the semifinals against the top favorites and the regular season champions was enough San Diegoto secure your ticket to the final.
“You can’t write a better script”
“The fairy tale is Pinoe and Kriegs, it’s a great story. You can’t write a better script.”had OL Reign-Trainer Laura Harvey said after her team made it to the final. Regardless of which team wins, the NWSL will have a new one champion – and a US icon will say goodbye with the title.