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Krieger to Join Freedom for Remainder of Season

June 10, 2009 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
magicJack News Release


BOYDS, Md. (June 10) - The Washington Freedom has acquired defender-midfielder Ali Krieger from FFC Frankfurt for the remainder of the WPS inaugural season and it has waived forward Claire Zimmeck. Krieger, the U.S. National Team pool player, was initially allocated to the Freedom on September 16th, 2008 but was unable to begin the season with the Freedom due to her current contract in Germany.

"We are very excited about the addition of Ali Krieger," said Freedom Head Coach Jim Gabarra. "This addition gives us another world class player that we anticipate starting either in the back or in midfield. We are thankful to FFC Frankfurt for their willingness to give this opportunity to the Freedom and Ali."

FFC Frankfurt, a German team in the Women's Bundesliga, is arguably one of the top women's soccer teams in the world. In 2007-2008, Krieger's first year with the Club, FFC Frankfurt won the Bundesliga, the UEFA Women's Cup, and the German Cup, winning all three for the first time in the Club's history. Krieger played and started in 19 games, scoring one goal and adding two assists on the season. In '08-'09, Krieger was plagued by a foot injury and played in four games for FFC Frankfurt, which lost in the Bundesliga quarterfinals.

Krieger, a Virginia native from Woodbridge, has previous ties with the Washington Freedom and the Metro Washington, D.C. area. The All-Met Player of the Year and Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year in 2003 from Forest Park High School, Krieger grew up playing for the Prince William Sparklers. She also trained with the Freedom WUSA team as a college player, and was a member of the Freedom W-League team that won the Championship in 2007.

"It's refreshing to be home not only because I feel comfortable here in Washington, but also because my family and my friends are able to share this amazing experience with me," says the most recent addition to the Freedom. "It's nice that there is a women's professional team in my hometown!"

The local standout was a two-time NSCAA All-American midfielder at Penn State University, and the Co-Defensive Player of the Year for her senior campaign. Krieger was a member of the U-21 and U-23 U.S. National Teams, and was called up to the full National Team for the 2008 Four Nations Tournament in Foshan, China.

"Playing in a U.S. women's professional league has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl, so I am really happy to be a part of the WPS this summer," quoted Krieger. She is excited to be back, and the Freedom is more than happy to have her.

Krieger and the second place Washington Freedom face the Chicago Red Stars in their next league match-up. The game kicks off at 4:30 p.m. this Saturday, June 13th at RFK Stadium in a doubleheader with D.C. United. Tickets are available by calling 202-547 KICK (5425) or by clicking the tickets link at washingtonfreedom.com.



Women's Professional Soccer Stories from June 10, 2009


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