Football Ferns captain Ali Riley has not been able to take the field for the Orlando Pride but will be in action nonetheless after returning to Sweden to join former club FC Rosengård on loan.

Riley joined the Pride in February but is yet to make her debut as the club had to withdraw from the NWSL Challenge Cup due to a COVID-19 outbreak amongst some of the playing group and staff.

The 32-year-old was not affected and is keen to get back playing as soon as possible, taking the opportunity to re-join a club she made over 130 appearances for in a seven-season stint from 2012.

Her loan will run through until November but the Pride hold the right to recall Riley at any point.

“We’re obviously disappointed to not have been able to see Ali and the rest of the team’s hard work on display at the Challenge Cup but we’re happy to be able to provide her with an opportunity to get some competitive matches and training at Rosengård,” Orlando Pride coach Marc Skinner said. 

“We’ll remain in constant contact with Ali to ensure that the Pride can maximise the benefits of this valuable and competitive playing experience. Ali was in tremendous form here in Orlando and we’re excited for when she eventually plays her first match in purple but, for now, we wish her luck in Sweden.”

Riley’s previous time at Rosengård proved hugely successful, the fullback becoming a key part of the team as three Damallsvenskan league titles were claimed.

Prior to her first spell in Sweden, Riley played in the United States – the country of her birth and upbringing – for Pali Blues, FC Gold Pride and Western New York Flash.

After leaving Rosengård, she spent time at Chelsea and Bayern Munich before returning to America to join the Pride.

Internationally, she is one of New Zealand’s most-capped players, making 134 appearances since her debt for the Football Ferns in 2007. 

Article added: Tuesday 14 July 2020