'A bit poetic': American stars Megan Rapinoe, Ali Krieger to end careers in NWSL final

Rapinoe isn't the only American star retiring after the 2023 NWSL Cup. Gotham FC's Ali Krieger will bow out after the final game, too.

"It seems a bit poetic that the championship game is ending with Krieger and Pinoe's last game," said the Reign's Rose Lavelle, per Reuters. "I think it's really special to be able to get them there."

Rapinoe and Krieger — two of the biggest stars of the back-to-back World Cup-winning U. S. Women's National Team of the mid-2010s — have played in the NWSL since its inception in 2013. Rapinoe has played with the OL Reign since their opening match, while Krieger played for Washington and Orlando before joining the Gotham FC in 2022.

Their presence and influence spurred the NWSL's growth and helped turn it into the most stable and financially secure women's soccer league in American history.

Despite winning almost everything there is to win with the U.S. Women's National Team, however, neither Rapinoe nor Krieger has won an NSWL title.

OL Reign coach Laura Harvey made clear her desire to win the final — for herself and her team, but especially wants it for Rapinoe.

"We want to send her out the right way," Harvey said. "And that's getting in the postseason and getting the championship. That's what we all want to do."

Whichever USWNT legend wins the trophy — Rapinoe or Krieger — it will be a fitting end to the first era of NWSL.

Rapinoe's OL Reign will play Krieger's Gotham FC in the NWSL final Saturday at 8 p.m. ET in San Diego.