Jess Fishlock Returns to Reign FC Following Champions League Victory

Reign FC midfielder Jess Fishlock returned to Reign FC today from her loan with Olympique Lyonnais. Fishlock won the UEFA Women’s Champions League with Lyon on May 18, helping the French club to its sixth title overall and fourth in a row.

The midfielder became the sixth Welsh soccer player to win Europe’s highest club competition, joining Joey Jones, Ian Rush, Ryan Giggs, Gareth Bale and current Wales women’s national team manager Jayne Ludlow following. a 4-1 win over Barcelona.

“I think the Champions League is the best club competition,” Fishlock said. “It’s something that I will remember forever.”

Fishlock rejoins a 1-1-3 Reign FC side that has been thinned out by national team call-ups and injury.

Reign FC head coach Vlatko Andonovski said Fishlock should provide a big boost.

“She is in proper competitive form,” Andonovski said. “She’s just coming out of a Champions League final, but also her mentality is in the right place and right time. She’s going to be huge for us in terms of helping the other players on the field reach the competitive stage that we’re trying to reach.”

Fishlock returns without having had much time to rest, having gone straight to Lyon at the conclusion of Reign FC’s 2018 season. Andonovski is being careful not to push his player too far.

“She’s going to be instrumental in everything that we do here, but we’re very conscious of her work load,” Andonovski said. “That’s where (Director of High Performance Nick Lehman) helps us out and makes sure that we’re not going to overdo anything and jeopardize her health.”

Fulfilling dreams of European glory hasn’t dampened Fishlock’s appetite for NWSL play, however.

“I’ve been speaking to my good friends,” Fishlock said. “I’ve had exchanges with Vlatko and (owner Bill Predmore). I’m eager to get back.

“I’m so excited to join up with the Reign. I’m so excited to see the girls again. I’m excited to get back with the group, work with Vlatko and to help us get wins and climb up the table.”

Fans can welcome Fishlock back to Reign FC at the club’s open training session at Interbay Stadium in Seattle on Saturday, May 25. Training will run from approximately noon to 2:00 p.m., with players available for photos and autographs at the conclusion of training.

Fishlock and Reign FC play host to the North Carolina Courage on Monday, May 27 at 4:00 p.m. PT. Fishlock will be available for selection in the match.

Tickets for Monday’s match ­­are available here.