OL Reign Preseason Roster Update
OL Reign today announced its updated preseason roster in advance of entering Phase 3 of the NWSL’s Return to Play Protocol on Monday, June 1.
OL Reign’s preseason roster is comprised of 32 players, including 24 players under contract, two unsigned players selected by OL Reign in the 2020 NWSL College Draft, and six non-roster invitees.
2020 OL Reign Preseason Roster by Position
Goalkeepers (3): Michelle Betos, Casey Murphy, Carly Nelson (NRI)
Defenders (11): Julia Ashley (D45), Lauren Barnes, Amber Brooks, Steph Cox, Machaela George (NRI), Madison Hammond (NRI), Sam Hiatt (CDP/NYR), Celia Jiménez Delgado (INT/NYR), Kristen McNabb, Rebecca Quinn (INT), Taylor Smith
Midfielders (10): Morgan Andrews, Meg Brandt (CDP), Shirley Cruz (INT), Jess Fishlock, Kimberly Hazlett (NRI), Kelcie Hedge, Allie Long (FED), Brenna Ochoa (NRI), Dani Weatherholt, Rosie White (INT)
Forwards (8): Bethany Balcer, Sofia Huerta, Darian Jenkins, Mariah Lee (NRI), Yuka Momiki, Megan Rapinoe (FED/NYR), Jasmyne Spencer, Jodie Taylor
Key:
INT – International Slot
NRI – Non-Roster Invitee
CDP – 2020 NWSL College Draft Pick
NYR – Not Yet Reported to Camp
FED – U.S. Soccer Federation Player
D45 – 45-Day Disabled List
Defender Julia Ashley was placed on the 45-day disabled list on March 11 due to a back injury suffered in Australia prior to joining OL Reign. Ashley’s injury is expected to prevent her from participating in preseason training or the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. Celia Jimenez Delgado has been in Spain since the suspension of preseason in early March, but will return to Tacoma on June 1. Celia is expected to join OL Reign at its preseason camp on June 8. Sam Hiatt, who was drafted by OL Reign in the 4th Round of the 2020 NWSL College Draft, is recovering from injury and will not join the club until after the Challenge Cup is complete.
“We are feeling good about the group we have assembled for preseason and the tournament. The unexpected break in preseason means that players recovering from long-term injury—including Betos, Fishlock, Smith, and Spencer—will be ready to more fully participate in training when it resumes this week,” said OL Reign CEO Bill Predmore. “It is unfortunate that Julia Ashley and Sam Hiatt are still recovering from their injuries, but we hope to see both players in Tacoma after the Challenge Cup is complete. We also expect to sign one or two additional players over the next week, meaning we’ll likely take 26-28 players with us into the tournament.”
On Sunday, May 31, OL Reign will head to Missoula, Montana for its preseason training camp. No county in Washington State currently permits gatherings of more than five individuals, which required OL Reign to identify an alternative location for its preseason camp. The club will remain in Missoula until three days prior to its first match in the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup, which will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah beginning on June 27, 2020.
“The situation in our state forced us to cultivate multiple options for preseason training outside of Tacoma. Our initial plan had been to travel to Utah for training camp, as what Utah offered was incredible, and Dell Loy Hansen’s generosity was tremendous,” said Predmore. “Despite the very compelling opportunity in Utah, late last week we made the decision to hold our training camp in Missoula, Montana, as the unique combination of elements will provide the best and safest possible experience for our players and staff.”
The 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup draw will occur on Monday, June 1 at 9:00 a.m. PT on CBS Sports HQ. The draw will determine opponents and match days for the group stage of the tournament.