Cristina Alexander

But you stayed so closely connected to the group.

I mean, I would even see you in photos after the game and be interacting, which was really incredible to see.

But how did that time away from the field make you, you know, or change the way you see the game now?

I think it was really healthy for me.

I feel like

Probably, I can't even remember the last time I've gone that long without playing soccer.

Maybe when I got injured in college.

But I think it teaches you a lot about who you are just as a person, not necessarily as a soccer player.

And just having that time for myself to...

realize that and even like get to know myself better I think was really special and cool and Doing that while growing a little human was just surreal But it also made me just realize like I love this I love playing and I want to get back to it So I think it was it was really good for me What did you miss the most about being away and having to watch on the sidelines competing?

Yeah, just like that urge to like just compete like

I tried to get it out with my husband and like ping pong or like pickleball and it's just not the same.

It's not the same.

That fire that you have inside you that, you know, comes out in competition.

I totally get that.

Not much compares to that.

But as you prepare to step back, you know, onto the field and within the team, what part of your game are you most excited to reconnect with and what feels different about you now as that competitor?

I'm excited to score goals again like that feeling when it hits the back of the net it's just like I can breathe now I'm excited for that feeling I'm excited to just be a part of the team again I love when like everything just comes together everything you've been working on all preseason and every practice I love when it all comes together and just that feeling of connection

And Portland obviously dealt with injuries, and then you were out as well, and now there's roster turnover, but still fought its way back to that playoff contention.

From your vantage point, what did 2025 reveal about that resiliency of the group in those moments?