Washington Spirit defender Casey Krueger dribbles the ball during an NWSL match against the Seattle Reign at Lumen Field on May 23, 2025.

Washington Spirit defender Casey Krueger announced Friday that she is pregnant with her second child, with the NWSL fixture's son Caleb playing a big role in breaking the news.

Krueger and the Spirit took to Instagram to announce that the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist, who has not played since the NWSL went on a summer break in July, is expecting.

A Spirit spokesperson confirmed to Pro Soccer Wire that Krueger is officially on maternity leave, making her the third player on the team to hold that status at the moment. Andi Sullivan announced the birth of her daughter in July and is still working her way back to fitness, just days before Ashley Hatch revealed that she is expecting a child as well.

The news came as a surprise to Krueger's Spirit teammates, who found out when informed by head coach Adrián González that there was one last announcement after training. Krueger's son Caleb took off his jacket to reveal a shirt that read "Big Bro," running over to join the group, sparking a celebration.

"I'm a little emotional," Krueger told teammates with a laugh. "I already really miss playing with you guys. I'll be your biggest cheerleader."

Krueger had missed Washington's last nine league matches as well as three Concacaf W Champions Cup contests, having not played since the NWSL summer break began. Her last match came in a scoreless road draw with the San Diego Wave on June 22.

Krueger joined the Spirit in 2024 after an eight-season run with the Chicago Stars (who were, during that time, the Red Stars). The 35-year-old was a crucial starter on Washington's back line, clinching the third NWSL Best 11 of her career as the Spirit went to the league's championship final.

In February, Krueger told the "Hey Spirits" podcast that USWNT coach Emma Hayes had informed the fullback that she was no longer in the team's plans, but the Illinois native is still regarded as one of the NWSL's best defenders. Her contract with the Spirit runs through the end of the 2026 season.

The NWSL did not allow for maternity leave until 2022, when the league and NWSL Players Association reached a historic Collective Bargaining Agreement. The protections in place under the current CBA (which runs from 2024-30) include reimbursement for child care, clean, private nursing space at club facilities, and a block on releasing a player from their contract due to pregnancy.

This article originally appeared on Pro Soccer Wire: Washington Spirit veteran Casey Krueger announces pregnancy

Reporting by Jason Anderson, Pro Soccer Wire / Pro Soccer Wire

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect