Centerback will keep talents in San Diego on a two-year deal
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2022) – San Diego Wave Fútbol Club has announced the return of defender Kaleigh Riehl through the 2024 NWSL season on a two-year contract, pending league and federation approval.
The 5’8” centerback stepped into an integral starting role this season on San Diego Wave FC’s back line and will remain with the club in its second season of play.
“Kaleigh Riehl has been an outstanding player for us this year, stepped in in incredible circumstances and performed really well and is very, very worthy of a new contract. I’m so glad that we got her signature and that she’s going to stay as a San Diego Wave player for the future.”
Casey Stoney, San Diego Wave FC Head Coach
Riehl made 19 starts in 22 games played this season while recording 79 clearances, 33 interceptions and 15 blocks with an 81.9% passing accuracy. Riehl also scored a goal in Wave FC’s 2-1 win over the Chicago Red Stars on May 15 at Torero Stadium.
The Virginia native began her professional career with Sky Blue FC as the 11th pick in the 2020 NWSL College Draft. After her rookie season in New Jersey, Riehl played on loan for Paris FC for 6 months before being drafted by Racing Louisville FC. In 2021, she then joined San Diego Wave FC through the 2022 Expansion Draft.
Collegiately, Riehl attended and played for Penn State University where she was a rock in their back line with 101 career games. With 8,847 minutes played for the Nittany Lions, Riehl holds the NCAA record for most minutes for a position player. During her 2015 freshman season, Riehl also helped lead Penn State to the NCAA Championship.
“I can’t think of a better place to play and to continue my development as a player. I’m thankful for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to contribute to the team in any way that I can.”
Kaleigh Riehl, San Diego Wave FC Defender
Riehl joins a growing roster of 16 returners ahead of Wave FC’s second NWSL season:
Goalkeepers: Kailen Sheridan, Carly Telford
Forwards: Amirah Ali, Sofia Jakobsson, Alex Morgan, Jaedyn Shaw
Midfielders: Belle Briede, Taylor Kornieck, Kristen McNabb, Kelsey Turnbow, Emily Van Egmond
Defenders: Abby Dahlkemper, Mia Gyau, Naomi Girma, Kaleigh Riehl, Christen Westphal
Join Kaleigh and the rest of the Wave FC squad for every moment of the 2023 campaign by making your Season Ticket deposit today. Season Ticket members enjoy a one-of-a-kind game day experience at the new Snapdragon Stadium with an array of benefits like exclusive events, gifts, discounts and more. Supporters should stay tuned on club social media and at sandiegowavefc.com for additional player updates and information on the upcoming season.
About San Diego Wave Fútbol Club
San Diego Wave Fútbol Club is the 12th and newest member of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The club’s vision is to be a force for good through the game of football and is led by President Jill Ellis, former head coach of the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) and two-time World Cup champion. Together with Head Coach Casey Stoney, the club is bringing the highest level of world-class, professional soccer to San Diego. USWNT standouts Alex Morgan and Abby Dahlkemper were two of the first players signed to the club, which consists of athletes representing five international soccer federations, including the US, Canada, Sweden, England and Australia. The new Snapdragon stadium serves as Wave FC’s permanent home, where San Diego broke the record for both the NWSL Playoff attendance record and the NWSL regular-season record, with 26,215 and 32,000 fans. Wave FC also made history in 2022 as the first expansion team to make the playoffs before advancing to the NWSL Semi-Final. As the team looks towards next season, supporters can make season ticket deposits for Wave FC’s 2023 season now. Learn more about the club and players at www.SanDiegoWaveFC.com.
