Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger: Relationship Timeline, Family and Split

Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger, two iconic figures in women’s soccer, captured fans’ hearts with a story that blended sporting excellence, deep friendship, LGBTQ+ visibility, and public vulnerability. From meeting as ambitious athletes on the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) to adopting two children and ultimately facing a very public split, their relationship marked a profound cultural moment. Here, we retrace their impactful journey, spotlighting the milestones and sharing the background that set their story apart.

How It All Began: First Meeting on the USWNT

Soccer brought Harris and Krieger together in 2010. Both in their mid-twenties, they joined the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) in an era marked by fierce competition and team unity. Chemistry seemed apparent from the outset, yet both women emphasized a foundational friendship: “We became really close friends, and we just hung out, we clicked, and we had so much in common,” Ashlyn recalled in later interviews.

• Their early connection was built on mutual respect and shared professional passion.
• They immediately fit in among the USWNT’s rising stars but kept their blossoming bond largely invisible to the public eye.
• Age at meeting: Harris (25), Krieger (26).

Keeping Love Private: Discretion in the Spotlight

Despite close friendship and mounting speculation from fans, Harris and Krieger were determined to keep their relationship private through much of the early 2010s. Professionalism, according to Krieger, took precedence over personal disclosure: “We wanted to be professional and make sure that we showed up every day and did our job … And that was most important for us.”

• Fans coined the portmanteau “Krashlyn” as rumors escalated.
• Social media posts — often since deleted — occasionally hinted at a deeper connection.
  • The duo was often spotted together off the field: traveling, attending events, and sharing personal moments.
• Despite these hints, public statements confirmed nothing — until much later.

First Public Signs: 2015 Instagram Clues

The first faint public confirmation came on January 1, 2015, when Harris posted a photo on social media showing the two attending teammate Alex Morgan’s wedding together as each other’s “dates.” While still resisting official confirmation, fans continued to piece together evidence of a romantic relationship.

• These clues only fanned the flames of Krashlyn fandom.
• Despite speculation, the couple stuck to their pact of privacy.

From Hidden Romance to Official Commitment

The shift from secrecy to public declaration arrived in September 2018. Harris and Krieger chose to confirm their engagement to PEOPLE, finally providing the validation fans had long awaited.

• Harris proposed to Krieger at Clearwater Beach in a candid, heartfelt moment involving a selfie and a surprise ring.
• This step marked a turning point in their willingness to share their joy and pride, especially as LGBTQ+ role models in sports.
• They publicly announced the engagement in March 2019.

World Cup Glory and Shared Triumphs

Their love story played out against the backdrop of extraordinary professional achievement. In 2019, as vital members of the USWNT squad, Harris and Krieger helped secure another FIFA Women’s World Cup title. Their dual pursuit of excellence, both individually and as a visible couple, underscored their unique place in the game.

• The 2019 World Cup win was a crowning moment for both athletes and came months before their wedding.
• Their partnership was lauded as an inspiration to LGBTQ+ sports fans worldwide.
• Media interviews after the win spotlighted their commitment, both to each other and to creating space for authenticity in professional athletics.

A Magical Wedding: December 2019

On December 28, 2019, Harris and Krieger married in a lavish and widely celebrated ceremony.

• Attendees included teammates, family, and an array of sporting celebrities.
• The event was covered extensively by media as a celebration not just of their love, but of progress for LGBTQ+ representation in women’s sports.

Creating a Family: Adoption, Parenthood, and Shared Joy

The couple’s next chapter revolved around family life. Demonstrating a united front, they adopted two children:

• Sloane (daughter, adopted 2021)
• Ocean (son, adopted 2022)

Social media and interviews reveal the joys and challenges of new parenthood, with Harris and Krieger both emphasizing teamwork, empathy, and the goal of providing loving, supportive homes.

Celebrity Couple Goals: Public Influence and Impact

During these years, Harris and Krieger reached “couple goals” status among fans, notably within LGBTQ+ and sporting communities. Their platform as successful, openly queer athletes enabled them to champion inclusivity, acceptance, and equal representation.

• They inspired both dedicated soccer followers and casual observers.
• Media coverage often emphasized their affectionate partnership and commitment to advocacy.
• The hashtag #Krashlyn became widely used in online conversations about queer visibility in sports.

Turbulence Behind the Scenes: From Rumors to Realities

Like many public couples, Harris and Krieger experienced rumors, speculation, and scrutiny. Despite the external pressure, their communications remained focused on positivity, mutual respect, and the well-being of their family and teammates.

• Fans and the media occasionally misinterpreted social posts or professional moves as indicators of relationship trouble.
• Throughout, both women reinforced that privacy and professionalism were guiding principles.

Separation: The Announcement and Public Repercussions

In September 2023, the couple’s relationship took a significant turn when Harris filed for divorce in Florida.

• Fans and media outlets were initially shocked, as the couple had previously appeared united both publicly and in interviews.
• The split was confirmed in October 2023, ending nearly 13 years of partnership and almost 4 years of marriage.
• They share custody of their two children, Sloane and Ocean.
• Krieger reportedly learned about the divorce filing while at a soccer training session, which she later revealed was a deeply painful experience.
• Harris later asked for sensitivity and kindness, reminding fans and the public that family—even post-separation—remains their top priority.

Aftermath: New Beginnings and Changing Dynamics

In the months after their separation, both women began to redefine their new normal.

Ali Krieger’s Healing and New Romance

• Krieger emphasized taking time for self-healing and focusing on her children and career.
• By late 2023, she entered a new public relationship with Scottish soccer player Jen Beattie, confirming the romance via social media.
• Krieger has spoken about resilience and gratitude for supportive friends and teammates during the transition.

Ashlyn Harris: Coparenting and Moving Forward

• Harris expressed deep commitment to coparenting, putting the well-being of Sloane and Ocean first.
• She later began a much-publicized relationship with actress Sophia Bush, making their public debut as a couple in March 2024.
• Harris used social media to call for kindness and empathy, especially regarding personal matters and public scrutiny.

The Cultural Impact: Why Their Story Resonated

The collective fascination with Harris and Krieger’s story extends far beyond their fame as athletes. As openly queer women in the public eye, their willingness to share parts of their journey marked a significant step for LGBTQ+ representation in sports.

• They expanded the definition of “couple goals” for an entire generation of fans.
• Their influence continues in conversations about visibility, acceptance, and family diversity within and beyond sports communities.
• Both remain respected voices in their field, inspiring others to embrace authenticity despite adversity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When did Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger meet?

A: Harris and Krieger became close after joining the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team in 2010, forming a strong friendship that eventually grew into a romantic partnership.

Q: How long were Harris and Krieger together?

A: The couple were together for nearly 13 years, with their relationship stretching from around 2010 until their divorce in 2023.

Q: Did Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger have children?

A: Yes, they adopted two children: daughter Sloane in 2021 and son Ocean in 2022.

Q: When did they get married and divorced?

A: Harris and Krieger married on December 28, 2019, and filed for divorce in September 2023.

Q: Are Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger currently dating other people?

A: Post-divorce, Krieger has confirmed a relationship with Scottish footballer Jen Beattie, while Harris is publicly dating actress Sophia Bush.

Key Moments Timeline

• 2010: Met on USWNT
• 2015: First social media hints of romance
• 2018: Engaged (confirmed to media)
• 2019: World Cup victory, married in December
• 2021: Adoption of daughter Sloane
• 2022: Adoption of son Ocean
• 2023: Divorce announced and finalized
• 2023–2024: Both begin new relationships

Lessons and Legacy

The journey of Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger serves as a lesson in authenticity, resilience, and the complexity of love in the public eye. Their openness has paved the way for others, and their commitment to their children and positive social values continues to inspire fans worldwide.