OL Reign has announced its 32-player roster ahead of the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, which is slated to kick off on April 9, 2021.
Five players have been added to the roster since the start of preseason training on February 1, including Celia, who was recalled early from her loan to Olympique Lyonnais, New Zealand international midfielder Rosie White, England international goalkeeper Karen Bardsley, who was acquired on loan from Manchester City of February 23, forward Murphy Agnew, who joined as a non-roster invitee, and Megan Rapinoe, who returns to OL Reign after a successful SheBelieves Cup, during which the forward scored three goals in wins against Brazil, Canada, and Argentina.
Three players departed camp in February, including midfielder Morgan Andrews, who was waived on February 18, as well as midfielder Shea Moyer and goalkeeper Katie Talbert, both of whom participated as non-roster invitees.
Costa Rica international midfielder Shirley Cruz is expected to report during the week of March 8. Cruz has been unable to travel to the United States due to COVID-related challenges in acquiring her visa.
Welsh international midfielder Jess Fishlock will end her loan to Reading on April 5. Immediately following the conclusion of the loan, Fishlock is expected to participate in the Welsh WNT camp before returning to OL Reign after the April international window, which concludes on April 14.
Forward Alli Watt and Midfielder Kelcie Hedge remain on the Season Ending Injury List as a result of ACL injuries suffered during the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. Both are expected to return to play during the 2021 NWSL season.
OL Reign currently has 26 players under contract for the 2021 season, including 22 on the Senior Roster and 4 on the Supplemental Roster.
Current OL Reign Roster by Position
Goalkeepers (3): Karen Bardsley, Cosette Morché, Ella Dederick (NRI)
Defenders (8): Lauren Barnes, Amber Brooks, Celia, Steph Cox, Machaela George, Madison Hammond, Sam Hiatt, Smith Hunter (NRI)
Midfielders (11): Angelina, Shirley Cruz (INT/NYR), Jess Fishlock (LOAN), Morgan Goff (NRI), Kelcie Hedge (SEI), Sophie Hurst (NRI), Allie Long, Kristen McNabb, Quinn (ALL), Dani Weatherholt, Rosie White
Forwards (12): Murphy Agnew (NRI), Bethany Balcer, Mia Corbin (NRI), Sofia Huerta, Tziarra King, Nicole Momiki, Miranda Nild (NRI), Leah Pruitt, Megan Rapinoe (ALL), Alex Schoenstadt (NRI), Jasmyne Spencer, Ally Watt (SEI)
INT – International Slot
SEI – Season Ending Injury List
ALL – US or Canadian Allocated Player
LOAN – Player on Loan
NYR – Player has not yet reported for preseason training
The 2021 NWSL competition year begins with the NWSL Challenge Cup, set to begin in clubs’ home markets on April 9. The 24-match NWSL regular season will run from May 15 to October 30.
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