The Washington Spirit announced today that they have signed free agent Casey Krueger to a three-year contract, confirming previous rumors. The right back will bring some much-needed defensive talent and veteran leadership to the team.

Washington’s first new signing of the offseason, Krueger has played for the Chicago Red Stars since 2016, where she racked up 6 goals and 7 assists over 6 seasons and established herself as one of the strongest 1-v-1 defenders in the league. In 2023, she stood out despite Chicago’s bottom-of-the-table performance and led the league in percentage of dribblers successfully tackled.

Krueger is also no stranger to the US Women’s National Team. She’s made 42 appearances for her country, including 5 in 2023. She has 4 career assists internationally and won a bronze medal with the US in the 2020 Olympics.

Before going pro, Krueger played for Spirit President of Soccer Operations/General Manager, Mark Krikorian, at Florida State University. Her connection with Krikorian, along with the other former Seminoles on the team, was likely a strong motivating factor in her decision to come to the Spirit, and he spoke highly of Krueger upon her signing.

“Casey brings a championship pedigree and veteran presence to the Spirit. With her world-class defensive qualities, she will instantly enhance our defense’s potential. Her experience and grit will be essential to our team both on and off the pitch.”

Mark Krikorian, source: Spirit press release

For more on Krueger’s play style and abilities, check out André Carlisle’s breakdown from December.

Krueger will be joined in her move to D.C. by her two-year-old son, Caleb, and, if their welcome video is anything to go by, they’re prepared to roll out the red carpet for him as well:

Krueger’s signing fills a big hole on the Spirit roster, especially after the trade of Dorian Bailey, who started at right back for much of last season. Krueger’s strong defensive ability in that position should give Trinity Rodman the confidence to play a little higher up the field and go on the defender-beating runs she’s known for, while Krueger’s ability to move the ball and read opposing teams could help create some of the goal-scoring opportunities the team lacked in 2023.

She will play a leadership role on the Spirit as well. Though the team brought in Annaïg Butel from Paris FC late last season, the backline remains very young overall, and Krueger is likely to be the only member who’s played in the NWSL for more than 5 seasons.

Overall, this is a very strong signing for Washington, and hopefully a sign of better things to come in 2024.