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Rookie of the Year, WPS Championship...Just Another Year In the Life of Riley

AWK: The WNY Flash will have one of the most fearsome frontlines with Marta, Christine Sinclair, and Alex Morgan. Any hint as to what kind of formation Aaran Lines will employ in the Flash’s opening game this Sunday?

AR: We have been trying different people in different positions during the preseason, and there is definitely some stiff competition for positions, especially in the midfield and front line. As for the formation, you will have to wait and see!

AWK: What most attracted you to the WNY Flash this offseason?

AR: I knew that a few of my Pride teammates had either signed or were in communication with the Flash, so of course I was excited at the thought of playing with them again after such an amazing 2010 season. I could tell that the owner and coach were really passionate about the team and wanted to be competitive in their first season in the WPS. Finally, when the coach said he wanted attacking outside backs, I knew it would be a good fit!

AWK: FC Gold Pride had a stellar season in 2010 that ended with a WPS Championship. What was your fondest on-field memory?

AR: Holding up the trophy and singing with my teammates on what would end up being the last day we would all be together will always be my fondest memory.

AWK: You were named 2010 Rookie of the Year, and were one of – if not the - best outside backs in the league. Did your success last season exceed your own initial expectations?

AR: Absolutely! Not many people know this, but I was scared to watch the 2010 WPS Draft with any of my friends because I didn’t think I was going to get drafted!

AWK: You converted from forward to outside back in your junior year at Stanford. What was the hardest thing to adjust to at first, or was it always a natural transition?

AR: I was really lucky that Paul recognized my potential as an outside back. While I love to attack, outside back or outside midfield is my natural position. Even when I was a forward I hugged the line and crossed more than I shot!

AWK: You seem to be the female footballer equivalent of Barcelona outside Dani Alves. Do you model your game off his or do you two just happen to play in a similar style?

AR: That is the nicest thing anybody has ever said about me! He is my favorite player, and you better believe I have his Barca jersey. My goal is to be as big an offensive threat as him.

AWK: You’re a member of the New Zealand Women’s National Team. The Football Ferns face England in Group B of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Did you use the recent England/U.S. game as a kind of scouting report?

AR: We played England in October, but obviously every team has put a lot of work in since then, so it was good to get another look. I think they will be feeling very confident after that win.

AWK: Name one New Zealand Women’s National Team player people may not know about but should.

AR: Rebecca Smith plays in Germany for VfL Wolfsburg and is an amazing center back. People should be ready to see her shutting down some top forwards in the World Cup!

AWK: Do you have a good sense of the time you’ll be on New Zealand national team duty, and will it be a significant portion of the WPS regular season?

AR: I will be missing very little of the WPS season, which I am really happy about.

AWK: Do you ever watch USWNT games and think “what could have been…” especially considering how much the team could use you services right about now?

AR: It’s impossible not to wonder if one day I might have been called in to a USWNT camp, but I love the Football Ferns and I am really proud to represent New Zealand. I feel really lucky to have experienced a World Cup and Olympics already, and travelling all over the world with the team has been amazing.

AWK: You’ve mentioned that you didn’t seriously consider playing pro soccer until you were drafted in 2010. What career path would you have followed had that not been the case?

AR: I’ve always wanted to play pro soccer, but I wasn’t sure if I would get drafted into the WPS. But I love soccer so much that I think I would have gone abroad to keep the dream alive! After soccer, though, I think I would like to work for Nike.

AWK: Are people ever disappointed when they discover you don’t have a Kiwi accent?

AR: All the time

AWK: You’re one of several popular and talented players named Alexandra/Ali/Alex/Allie currently making their presence known in the women’s soccer world. What is it about Alexandra’s that make them so awesome?

AR: I think Alexandra’s are cool because we have a really long name that becomes a really short name: Ali. I haven’t figured out how that relates to soccer yet though…

AWK: Word is you personally filmed and edited the Kelley and Ali’s Corner videos from last season. True or false?

AR: True! I love making movies. I have already started Flash TV for my new team! Check it out on the WNY FLASH YouTube channel!

AWK: What will you most miss from your off-the-field life with FC Gold Pride? (P.S. Kelley and Ali’s Corner is a totally acceptable answer.)

AR: Everything about my season with the Pride was fabulous. It was really awesome having Kelley with me to go through the whole experience, and we had such a blast together. I miss her so much!

AWK: You’re a Stanford alum. A scenic location in Northern California, outstanding academics, one of the best women’s soccer programs in the country. Seriously, is there a better institution for higher learning in the entire country than Stanford University?

AR: I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Best four years of my life.

AWK: Has there been any banter between yourself and Flash teammate and former Independence player Caroline Seger? Any chants of “4-0! 4-0!”?

AR: The best occasion was on Seger’s birthday. Our owner gave her an Independence T-shirt as a joke, and someone started the chant, “You Got Second”. There are so many of us—sometimes we just can’t help it!

AWK: You started a video blog with espnW. What kind of thing can fans expect from it this season?

AR: Fans can expect to see it’s like to play for New Zealand, and what it takes to prepare for a World Cup. When I’m not with NZ, I’ll be talking lots of soccer and introducing my Flash team here in Buffalo.

AWK: The WNY Flash have seven former FCGP players, many of whom are California natives. Has anyone experienced any culture shock thus far?

AR: There are actually eight of us (Kaley Fountain joined ATL right at the end of the season)! We have been FREEZING!!! Luckily we have a great indoor facility, because I don’t think any of us have the right clothes for this kind of weather. I just bought some rain boots. I miss the sun and the ocean so much!

AWK: What would best characterize a successful 2011 for Ali Riley?

AR: I would like to be one of the best defenders in the WPS and help the Flash win the title. I will be happy if we concede the fewest goals. I would also like to make an impact in the World Cup, making a name for my team and myself. I know we can get out of the group stage. Last but not least, I want to qualify for the Olympics in October.

Many thanks to Ali and be sure to tune into FSC to watch her in action with the WNY Flash when they visit the Boston Breakers this Sunday. She is also on Twitter @rileythree.

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