The Spirit announced their first free agent signing of the offseason, as defender Casey Krueger has signed a deal with the club. From Chicago to D.C., get to know the Spirit’s newest star.
*CASEY KRUEGER HAS ENTERED THE CHAT*
The Washington Spirit signs defender Casey Krueger!
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) January 10, 2024
Krueger has been a mainstay in professional women’s soccer since the inception of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in 2013. She was selected by the Boston Breakers with the fifth overall pick in the League’s inaugural NWSL College Draft in 2013. As of today, there are only three 2013 NWSL draftees on an NWSL roster: Casey Krueger (WAS), Adrianna Franch (KC), and Erika Tymrak (ORL).
Despite suffering two season-ending injuries in consecutive years to begin her professional career, Krueger rebounded, becoming one of the best defensive players in the NWSL. In 2016, Krueger saw her first NWSL action with the Chicago Red Stars, a team she would remain with until signing with the Spirit this offseason. The same year, she earned her first USWNT cap.
Krueger has appeared in 110 regular season games, starting all but two, and nearly logged 10,000 career regular season minutes (9,555). In 2019, Krueger became the first NWSL player to feature on every Team of the Month squad. She has also amassed 42 career caps and four assists with the USWNT. After dealing with a litany of injuries, Krueger made her first Olympic Team in 2021.
Before playing professionally, Krueger was a standout at Florida State University, where she played for the Seminoles program led by Mark Krikorian, the Spirit’s current President, Soccer Operations/General Manager. She earned All-ACC Freshman Team honors in 2008 before being recognized on the All-ACC Second Team in 2010 and 2012. She finished her Seminoles career tired for first in program history with 11 assists in ACC play.
Equipment staff is ready for our latest signing pic.twitter.com/uRfjNT2p62
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) January 10, 2024
A longtime resident of the Chicago area, and a Naperville, IL native, Krueger will make the move to the District with her husband, Cody, and 1-year-old son, Caleb, who she gave birth to in July 2022. Last season, she shared her journey starting a family as a professional athlete. US Soccer also detailed Casey’s path in a recent video.
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