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NJ/NY Gotham FC will play their final NWSL regular season game on Sunday. The focus will be on winning and making the playoffs. At the same time, the Bats will be celebrating their captain, Ali Krieger. The 39-year-old is retiring at the end of the season and will play her final regular season match.
The week is supposed to be about celebrating the NWSL and former USWNT star. She is a legend of the game, and in her two seasons with Gotham FC, she has become a big part of the team.
Ali Krieger's divorce news is clouding the celebrations around her retirement
However, it was announced on Wednesday that Krieger and her wife, former Gotham FC player Ashlyn Harris, are divorcing after four years of marriage. Harris filed for divorce in Florida. It is unknown whether the decision was mutual. But court documents revealed plans to co-parent with one another. This indicates the two have discussed their separation.
Additionally, the divorce filing was completed a few weeks ago. It makes one wonder whether anyone in the media was sitting on this. If not, then who released the information? Was it purposeful to release it this week?
The announcement before the Gotham captain takes her final bow clouds her retirement celebration. Krieger should not have to worry about her personal life being on display. Instead, the news should be about her long and incredible career.
Unfortunately, the conversation will be about both. Krieger's career will keep the celebrations alive. But the divorce will linger in the background as Gotham attempts to shower the player with love before they play the vital match against the Kansas City Current. The ladies must win due to the tight race for the playoffs, and the losses to Houston and Portland.
After the news broke, Krieger did not make an appearance at the scheduled press conference. It is not truly known whether the divorce is to blame. Alas, the likelihood is high.
Hopefully, the NJ/NY Gotham FC captain can use the weekend as a distraction. Krieger deserves to be honored and celebrated as she readies to permanently hang up her boots.