Ali Krieger Says Daughter Sloan Has Been 'So Sweet and So Encouraging' Ahead of Last Soccer Game (Exclusive)

The Gotham FC captain is set to retire after winning the NWSL Championship

Ali Krieger is getting support from her two favorite people.

Prior to this weekend's NWSL championship game, the Gotham FC captain, 39, chatted with PEOPLE, opening up about whether or not her kids would be joining her at the game, which was also set to be her last.

Krieger, who is now officially retired from soccer, explained to PEOPLE why her kids would not be joining her at her final game.

"No, the time change is a lot, and also, I had them all last week and it's time that...I just wanted to focus and I wanted to really enjoy this and not have any distractions because I want to give this everything," the mom of two shared with PEOPLE.

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Related: Ali Krieger Shares Photo with Her Kids amid Divorce from Ashlyn Harris: 'My Happy Place'

"Not that I wouldn't if they were here and they're not distracting, it's just I know what this week means to me personally and to the team, and I just want to make sure that I have my full concentration on there because when they're here, they're my priority."

Asked if her kids were aware of what the weekend meant to her, Krieger said, "Sort of, I don't think Ocean does, but Sloan's like, 'Oh we're going to mommy's soccer game, mommy's soccer game,' and then she's so excited."

"Every time she puts on her jersey and wants to wear it school every day, but she's been so sweet and so encouraging and so excited that I'm really pumped to get her started in soccer because I think she really enjoys it and she knows that I'm out there."

"And then after the game, she runs out on the field and she gets excited. And so, I think she's somewhat understanding, but I don't even remember what I was doing at two-and-a-half. So, I'll probably show her all the photos and talk about it in the future when she's older," the soccer pro told PEOPLE.

Krieger shares her two kids — Sloan and Ocean — with Ashlyn Harris, who filed for divorce from Krieger in Florida in September, PEOPLE confirmed via the Seminole County Clerk's website.

"Although it’s new information to the public, Ashlyn and Ali's divorce began months ago and they have been living apart since the summer,” an insider told PEOPLE of the split at the time.

In October, the USWNT player shared a cozy photo at home with her two children. The three smiled and cuddled together as she added a sticker to the shot reading, "My happy place."

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Read the original article on People.