Soccer Stars Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger: A Love Story Defying All Odds

Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger, former teammates turned spouses, are no longer together. The two athletes, who first crossed paths while playing for the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, got engaged in September 2018. However, they chose to keep their relationship and engagement under wraps until March 2019.

"When we initially crossed paths, her remarkable confidence and authentic presence immediately captivated me. I couldn't resist spending as much time as possible with her, drawn to her magnetic aura," Krieger shared with Sports Illustrated in January 2020. "Our connection grew from a solid foundation of friendship, gradually transforming into a romantic relationship. She exuded an empowering attitude and embraced her true self. It was in her company that I felt most comfortable being my genuine self, and it was then that I knew she would hold great significance in my life."

Subsequently, the couple exchanged vows in 2019 and expanded their family in the following years, warmly welcoming daughter Sloane in 2021 and son Ocean in 2022.

We confirmed in October 2023 that Harris filed for divorce from Krieger after nearly four years of marriage.

Scroll down to relive Harris and Krieger’s romantic history:

2010

The two individuals who are no longer in a relationship encountered one another at USWNT camp in 2010. "We would engage in lengthy conversations where we discussed our aspirations and ambitions," Harris divulged to Sports Illustrated in a joint interview with Krieger back in January. "We were completely captivated by one another, and all of our objectives were in harmony. I just felt that it was so effortless, as if we instantaneously formed a profound connection both emotionally and physically. Some of my most cherished memories involve spending endless hours getting to know her. It was certainly akin to experiencing love at first sight."

September 2012

Harris appeared in one of Krieger’s earliest Instagram posts, a pic of the pair with a teammate.

October 2015

Harris and Krieger attended their teammate Sydney Leroux’s wedding to fellow soccer player Dom Dwyer. (The pair later called it quits in 2021.)

December 2017

The two showed off their chemistry while posing for silly pictures on vacation in Turks and Caicos with friends.

March 2019

The athletes publicly acknowledged their engagement on social media, announcing their relationship status by sharing the news six months after Harris proposed. Harris expressed excitement through an Instagram post, exclaiming "She said YES!!!".

To commemorate the occasion, Krieger enhanced the celebration by posting additional photographs of their engagement on the app, featuring a close-up of her stunning ring. Alongside the pictures, she captioned, "She truly amazes me."

July 2019

The then-fiancées helped lead the USWNT to its victory at the 2019 World Cup. They posed with the team’s championship trophy on the ESPYs red carpet later that month.

October 2019

Krieger and Harris showed off their couple style at the 2019 InStyle Awards in a flowy blue gown and black suit, respectively.

December 2019

Surrounded by their loved ones, including family, friends, and teammates, they exchanged vows and celebrated their union. Harris expressed her gratitude for the extraordinary people present, describing the day as the most enchanting of her life. In an Instagram video capturing snippets of the festivities, she thanked everyone involved and professed her love for Krieger.

In a separate Instagram post, Krieger acknowledged their guests and expressed their importance in their lives. Sharing three photos from their wedding, she expressed gratitude for their support, presence, and unwavering support. They conveyed their love and appreciation for all of them.

February 2020

The couple, who had recently gotten married, attended the Vanity Fair Oscar party in coordinated outfits. Harris looked stylish in a black and white patterned suit, while Krieger chose a black mini dress with long sleeves and a skirt adorned with beaded fringe.

August 2020

In an Allure magazine cover story, the couple discussed the delicate balance of their professional athletic careers and personal relationship. Emphasizing the importance of their team, Harris revealed, "The team always comes first." He went on to explain their sleeping arrangements on the road, stating, "We usually don't stay in the same room. And if we happen to be in the same room, we have separate beds because rest and recovery are crucial for us." Harris acknowledged that finding quality time together is challenging despite constantly being in each other's presence, saying, "We have to actively make time for each other. It's a delicate situation."

Krieger expressed their initial reluctance to have a widely-publicized wedding, stating that their original plan was to have a private ceremony. They wanted to save money and prioritize their future children's education. However, their perspective shifted as they realized the opportunity to share their love with the world and turn their wedding into a community event. Krieger admitted to occasionally questioning their decision, but ultimately believed that their visibility could make a difference in saving lives, outweighing the need for privacy.

February 2021

Their family expanded when their daughter, Sloane, entered their lives. Harris took to Instagram to express their heartfelt promises to Sloane's birth mother. Alongside photos of Harris and Krieger meeting their child at the hospital, Harris assured that Sloane will be showered with love and support every day by them, their friends, and their family. They pledged to equip Sloane with the necessary tools to lead a happy and successful life, full of inclusivity and support. Furthermore, they vowed to be transparent about Sloane's adoption story right from the start and celebrate every milestone. Harris and Krieger promised to nurture Sloane's dreams, no matter how big or small, and to approach future communication with an open mind, respecting the birth mother's wishes. Above all, they wanted Sloane to always feel the unwavering love from her birth mother.

Harris extended his gratitude to Krieger, expressing, "My heart is filled with an overwhelming sense of happiness. We have achieved it, my love! Despite the challenges, tears, stress, and anxiety, we know it all pays off when we hold this precious blessing in our embrace. We are in the process of creating our long-awaited dreams. You both mean the world to me, and I promise to always act in your best interests. I love you more than words can convey."

August 2022

Less than a year later, the couple made the joyful announcement of adopting a son, who they named Ocean. "During this time, our hearts are full and we are immensely grateful for the love and support from our family, friends, and club," Harris shared on Instagram, along with adorable pictures of their baby boy. "Sloane has been flourishing and each morning wakes up saying 'Baby, baby.' We are sincerely thankful and thrilled for this new chapter as we embrace parenting two children under the age of two. Let the sleepless nights continue, @alikrieger... I wouldn't have it any other way."

November 2022

Harris expressed her gratitude towards her former partner in an extensive post on Instagram, discussing her retirement from professional soccer. In her heartfelt message, she wrote, "To my beloved wife, Ali, and our precious children, Sloane and Ocean, you bring me purpose that extends far beyond the soccer field. As I embark on this new chapter, my aspirations are to continue being the best wife and mother in the world to all of you. My love for you knows no bounds, and I eagerly anticipate demonstrating that love each and every day, just as you all deserve."

September 2023

Harris filed for divorce from Krieger in Florida on September 19.

After news of their separation surfaced, Harris ignited speculation about dating actress Sophia Bush. Following their split earlier that summer, a spokesperson for Grant Hughes, Bush's estranged husband, expressed to Page Six that he always desires the best for Sophia and supports her happiness and fulfillment.