Orlando Pride Acquire USWNT Defender Ali Krieger

After weeks of rumors, U.S. Women’s National Team defender, Ali Krieger, has been acquired by the Orlando Pride from the Washington Spirit. In return, the Spirit have received the Pride’s second Distribution Ranking Order, moving Orlando to the ninth spot and Washington to the second.

In what could possibly be the "Steal of the Century", Orlando has yet again gained a National Team marquee player for the price of a utility athlete. History has proven that Distribution Ranking Order means virtually nothing, and can only bring small name players.

Krieger has captained the Spirit for the past four seasons, leading them to two NWSL playoff appearances, including this past year's championship game. While with Washington, she played a variety of positions, both defensive and offensive, filling in wherever needed. Her ability to adapt aided the team in significant ways and helped them finish second in the League in 2016.

She has also played for the last eight years for the U.S. Women’s National Team, playing a vital role in the back-line during the 2015 World Cup. The defense held their opponents to three goals through the entire tournament and went a record 540 minutes before conceding a single goal.

During her collegiate years, Krieger attended Penn State University, where she played for four years, winning four Big Ten titles and was named 2003 Virginia Gatorade Girl's Soccer Player of the Year.

Following her graduation, she played for several years in Germany for FFC Frankfurt and made it to the UEFA Champions League final. She has also played in Sweden for Tyresso with Orlando teammate Ashlyn Harris.

Krieger, who mostly plays right back, will prove to be a vital acquisition in the Pride's sophomore season. Sermanni will most likely play her at center-back or fullback, which would give Canadian international Josée Bélanger a chance to play more forward.

Get excited Pride fans, this is the first move of many, proving that Orlando is in it to win it.