Ali Riley has been traded from the Orlando Pride to Angel City FC. In return, the Pride will receive $15,000 in allocation money and Angel City’s natural 2023 third round draft pick.
Ali Riley is on her way to LA ✈️☀️@weareangelcity acquire the rights to defender @RileyThree in exchange for a natural 2023 third round pick and 15K in allocation money. pic.twitter.com/Jf8zVO8AYH— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) January 27, 2022
Ali Riley is on her way to LA ✈️☀️@weareangelcity acquire the rights to defender @RileyThree in exchange for a natural 2023 third round pick and 15K in allocation money. pic.twitter.com/Jf8zVO8AYH
Riley was left unprotected in the expansion draft, but Angel City ultimately went with Claire Emsile from Orlando with their expansion second pick.
Riley has been with the Pride since 2020, making 20 appearances for the club. Prior to that, she spent significant time overseas with Swedish League champion FC Rosengard, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
She has also been a member of the New Zealand national team since 2007, making 140 appearances and tallying one goal.
The move back to Los Angeles will be a homecoming for Riley, who was born and grew up in the area before attending Stanford University.
Last season she made her way into the starting right back position for the Pride, recording 1,556 minutes in 20 appearances. She ended the regular season with 39 clearances, five blocks and 19 interceptions.
She’ll join a defensive group in Angel City that includes Mary Alice Vignola and Sarah Gorden.