I write things.

The Most Important Thing with Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris

[Ashlyn gives her thoughts on how the 2022 FIFA World Cup has participants ignoring the LGBTQ+ community]

Why do you think our men and our coaches don’t feel like they can speak on this topic?

I don’t know what they feel, because they don’t talk about it. I don’t know where they stand, because they don’t stand for—they’re not outwardly standing for anything.

You can’t just hide behind—I know that the English men wanted to wear the captain band with—I think it was gonna say One Love, which Alex Scott wore as the commentator. That’s—that’s great, it’s a step in the right direction, but I need to hear your—like, when you open your mouth, you tell the world who you are. Tell us who you are. Tell us what you stand for. Tell us what you’re about.

I haven’t heard one player step up and say “This is absolutely unacceptable. FIFA needs to do better. I’m here because, you know, I’m supporting my country and my team, but I also support the LGBTQIA+ community. I’m an ally, and this is not fucking right. And this is not sending the message we want for progress.”

Not one person has done that.

That’s the difference between the men and women. I’m willing to lose it all, to fight for what I believe in, because if I can’t be me…I can’t give this country all of me. I can’t give my team all of me. I’m cheating the game.

It’s not just a job, it’s something completely different. You’ve been given a platform that literally changes the narrative, changes the country. When you talk, people listen.

What are you fucking saying?

uswntplayers Thank you Ashlyn Harris for an amazing career, and for being an even more amazing person. Wishing you a beautiful retirement and can’t wait to see what the next chapter Gotham FC brings. Congratulations Ashlyn!

Tobin Heath: What up, Lifer? You're such an easy person to celebrate because you love celebrating others. And still for you, the best is yet to come and I hope that I'm along for the ride, because I know it will be epic. Love you so much.

Midge Purce: I can not wait to see what you're about to do. We all know you're gonna take the world by storm, and you definitely did us. Thank you so much for everything you've done for me, personally. We love you, Ash.

Sydney Leroux: I just love, like, watching your journey. You are such an amazing friend. You are such a competitor, the ultimate competitor and you brought out the best in me. You brought out the best in the people around you. And the game will not be the same without you.

Christen Press: So proud of you. Thank you for all that you've done for so many of us. What you've sacrificed and given to this team and to the game of football, we will be forever grateful. You've left it better and can't wait to see what you do on the next steps on your journey. Love you.

Megan Rapinoe: You know, whether it's training, games... It's just amazing. Always pushing everybody, always pushing yourself, keeping the standard super high. You know, one of the best teammates I've ever played with. Always bringing that standard, but also bringing the laughs, bringing the fun, bringing that balance that we all know that we need on and off the field. I just love you so much. Congrats on an amazing career and… When's vacation?

Ali Krieger: Congrats, babe! I can't believe this day is acually here now looking back about 12 years ago, when we first met in soccer camp where I guess I really knocked your socks off. Anyway, well, we really came into our own sense then and I feel so lucky to have witnessed so much of your success through the years, both on and off the field. I couldn't be more proud of the player and the woman that you've become. So, to me, you will always be the best wife, the best mom, friend, teammate, and goalkeeper in the world, no matter what. You've given your everything to football over the years, but your greater impact and reach to inspire our community, our fans, our family, your teammates and coaches along the way, will always outweigh the awards and acheivements and championships. You certainly have set a high standard to motivate everyone to just be better everyday and you deserve to be celebrated for that. I have no doubt you'll thrive in your next chapter and I promise to always help shine your light brighter along the way. Congrats again on your incredibly impactful career, you've achieved so much already. And to Sloane, Ocean, Logan, Storm, and I, you are already enough. We are so proud of you. We love so, so much. Cheers to you, my forever teammate. And tonight, it's Moms' night out, so I'm gonna need us to guzzle those drinks. Alright, let's go party. I love you.

uswntplayers Memories were definitely made ✨