OL Reign Signs Japanese International Yuka Momiki

OL Reign has signed Japanese international forward Yuka Momiki, the club announced today. Per league and club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Momiki joins from Nippon TV Beleza in the Japanese Nadeshiko League. The club is the most successful club in Nadeshiko league history, with 17 titles (including six since 2010) and 14 Empress’ Cups.

The 24-year-old was born in New York City, but came up through NTV Beleza’s youth system. She made her senior club debut in 2011 and has helped the club win five Nadeshiko League titles in that time, along with four Empress’ Cups, three Nadeshiko League Cups and the 2019 AFC Women’s Club Championship. She was named to the Nadeshiko League Best XI in 2016 and 2017.

Momiki retains U.S. citizenship, and as such, will not require the club to use an international slot.

“Yuka is a young, dynamic player with tremendous potential that we believe will play an important role in our club this season and far into the future,” said OL Reign CEO Bill Predmore. “We thank NTV Beleza for their willingness to allow Yuka to join our club at this time and look forward to seeing Yuka in Tacoma this weekend.”

In 2019, Momiki made 17 league appearances, scoring four goals and seven assists in 1,459 minutes on the pitch.

Momiki has also played internationally for Japan and made her World Cup debut in 2019. Momiki has also represented her nation at the 2019 and 2020 SheBelieves Cup, notching an equalizing goal in a 2-2 draw with the U.S. in second-half stoppage time on February 27, 2019.