Kaleigh Ann Riehl

Kaleigh Ann Riehl is an accomplished American soccer player currently playing for the Utah Royals in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). At 30 years old, Riehl brings a wealth of experience and maturity to the backline, serving as a central defender for her team. Known for her physical presence and defensive prowess, she has made three appearances this season, playing a total of 299 minutes. Although she has not contributed directly to the scoreboard with goals or assists, her defensive skills have proven invaluable for her team.

As a central defender, Riehl excels in disrupting opposition attacks and contributing to her team's overall defensive solidity. Her possession-adjusted statistics show her effectiveness in intercepting passes, with an impressive 2.81 interceptions per game. This reflects her keen awareness and ability to read the game efficiently. She also engages in an average of 2.46 challenges per game, winning 54% of them, underscoring her capability to compete aggressively in duels.

Offensively, Riehl contributes to the buildup with her passing game, boasting a significant progressive passing distance per game of 299.04 meters. This highlights her ability to facilitate transitions from defense to attack, providing a reliable outlet for her teammates. While her progressive carrying distance per game stands at 16.71 meters, it indicates that Riehl is more inclined to distribute and control the tempo from the back rather than relying on runs. This playmaking ability has earned her a commendable Playmaker Rank of 2, showcasing her influence in orchestrating play from the defensive third.

Kaleigh Ann Riehl's physicality and defensive acumen make her a valuable asset to the Utah Royals, as reflected in her estimated transfer value of €116K. Her contributions may not always appear on the scoresheet, but her impact is undeniable on the field. With her strong defensive metrics and playmaking skills, Riehl remains a key figure in the Utah Royals' squad, exemplifying the archetype of a Physical Defender in the NWSL.