San Diego Wave FC have acquired $60,000 in Allocation Money and 2024 expansion protection from Utah Royals FC in exchange for defender Kaleigh Riehl.
“Since Kaleigh arrived in San Diego, she’s been a true professional for this club and community,” said San Diego Wave FC General Manager Molly Downtain. “She played a pivotal role with the Wave, including helping the club secure the NWSL Shield this season. We would like to thank Kaleigh for her contributions and wish her all the best in Utah.”
Riehl, 27, was acquired in the Wave’s expansion draft ahead of the club’s inaugural season in 2022 having previously played for Racing Louisville. In two seasons with San Diego, Riehl appeared in 41 regular season games (37 starts) for the club. The central defender scored the club’s first-ever competitive goal, a game-tying goal in the Challenge Cup opener against Angel City FC.
Utah Royals FC are set to return to the NWSL as a 2024 expansion side, along with Northern California’s Bay FC. The expansion draft is set to be held on Friday, Dec. 15, beginning at 4 p.m. PT.
Transaction: San Diego Wave FC trades defender Kaleigh Riehl in exchange for $60,000 in Allocation Money and 2024 Expansion Protection from Utah Royals.
