NWSL San Diego Wave FC

San Diego Wave FC Re-Signs Defender Kaleigh Riehl

Published on November 17, 2022 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
San Diego Wave FC News Release


SAN DIEGO, Calif. - San Diego Wave Fútbol Club has announced the return of defender Kaleigh Riehl through the 2024 NWSL season on a two-year contract, pending league and federation approval.

The 5'8" centerback stepped into an integral starting role this season on San Diego Wave FC's back line and will remain with the club in its second season of play.

"Kaleigh Riehl has been an outstanding player for us this year, stepped in in incredible circumstances and performed really well and is very, very worthy of a new contract," Wave FC Head Coach Casey Stoney said. "I'm so glad that we got her signature and that she's going to stay as a San Diego Wave player for the future."

Riehl made 19 starts in 22 games played this season while recording 79 clearances, 33 interceptions and 15 blocks with an 81.9% passing accuracy. Riehl also scored a goal in Wave FC's 2-1 win over the Chicago Red Stars on May 15 at Torero Stadium.

The Virginia native began her professional career with Sky Blue FC as the 11th pick in the 2020 NWSL College Draft. After her rookie season in New Jersey, Riehl played on loan for Paris FC for 6 months before being drafted by Racing Louisville FC. In 2021, she then joined San Diego Wave FC through the 2022 Expansion Draft.

Collegiately, Riehl attended and played for Penn State University where she was a rock in their back line with 101 career games. With 8,847 minutes played for the Nittany Lions, Riehl holds the NCAA record for most minutes for a position player. During her 2015 freshman season, Riehl also helped lead Penn State to the NCAA Championship.

"I can't think of a better place to play and to continue my development as a player," Riehl commented. "I'm thankful for this opportunity, and I can't wait to contribute to the team in any way that I can."

Riehl joins a growing roster of 16 returners ahead of Wave FC's second NWSL season:

Goalkeepers: Kailen Sheridan, Carly Telford

Forwards: Amirah Ali, Sofia Jakobsson, Alex Morgan, Jaedyn Shaw

Midfielders: Belle Briede, Taylor Kornieck, Kristen McNabb, Kelsey Turnbow, Emily Van Egmond

Defenders: Abby Dahlkemper, Mia Gyau, Naomi Girma, Kaleigh Riehl, Christen Westphal

Be there for every moment of Wave FC's 2023 campaign with Season Tickets and make your deposit today. Season Ticket members enjoy a one-of-a-kind game day experience at the new Snapdragon Stadium with an array of benefits like exclusive events, gifts, discounts and more. Supporters should stay tuned on club social media and at sandiegowavefc.com for additional player updates and information on the upcoming season.

Check out the San Diego Wave FC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



National Women's Soccer League Stories from November 17, 2022


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central