OL Reign Announces 2022 NWSL Preseason Roster

OL Reign has announced its roster ahead of the 2022 NWSL preseason, which kicks off Tuesday, February 1.

OL Reign’s current preseason roster is comprised of 28 players, including 25 players who are currently under contract for the 2022 season. Among the club’s returning players are four players who were named to the 2021 NWSL First XI or Second XI: Defenders Alana Cook and Sofia Huerta, midfielder Jess Fishlock and forward Bethany Balcer.

In the recent weeks, OL Reign has made nine new player signings, adding goalkeepers Claudia Dickey and Laurel Ivory, defenders Phoebe McClernon, Sinclaire Miramontez and Alyssa Malonson, midfielders Nikki Stanton and Olivia Athens, and forwards Veronica Latsko and Zsanett Kaján.

“I am really happy with both the quality and balance in the group as we head into preseason,” said OL Reign head coach Laura Harvey. “We have a strong group of returning veterans, a promising group of new players, both with the right mix of age and experience. I am excited to start working with this group, as I believe this squad has great potential.”

OL Reign players that re-signed with the team ahead of the 2022 season include forward Tziarra King, midfielder Jess Fishlock, defender Lu Barnes, forward Megan Rapinoe and midfielder Rose Lavelle. Bethany Balcer, who was previously under contract with the Reign through 2023, extended her contract through 2025.

With the departure of 2021 starting goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi back to Olympique Lyonnais, young goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, as well as new signings Claudia Dickey and Laurel Ivory will be called on to step into the net. In addition, the Reign made several signings in the midfield and forward positions, as OL loanees Eugénie Le Sommer and Dzsenifer Marozsán also returned to France.

The midfield should again prove to be a source of strength for the club, as OL Reign original and 2021 NWSL MVP Jess Fishlock, U.S. Women’s National Team star Rose Lavelle, Brazilian international Angelina, and Olympic Gold Medalist Quinn all return in the midfield for the Reign.

“Having our group together from the start should provide an advantage over last season, where long-term injuries, multiple mid-season signings, a coaching change, and the Olympic tournament all conspired to keep our full group from playing meaningful minutes together until very late in the season,” said OL Reign CEO Bill Predmore. “While we still have some important decisions to make regarding the final spots on the roster, Laura has a clear vision for the squad and an understanding of how key players can best contribute. We like this group very much and are excited to see them out on the pitch.”

OL Reign will welcome three unsigned draft picks to preseason training: Wake Forest defender Ryanne Brown, who was drafted with the 21st overall pick, University of Washington midfielder Olivia van der Jagt, who was selected with the 33rd selection, and UCLA midfielder Marley Canales, who was picked by the Reign with the 47th pick.

OL Reign goalkeeper Cosette Morche is the only player currently out on loan. She is playing with Grand Paris Seine Ouest 92 Issy, competing in Division 1 Féminine in France. Kaile Halvorsen, who was selected by OL Reign with the 32nd pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft, has elected to remain in school and will not report to preseason training.

Current OL Reign Roster by Position:

Goalkeepers (4): Claudia Dickey, Laurel Ivory, Cosette Morché (LOAN), Phallon Tullis-Joyce

Defenders (10): Lu Barnes, Ryanne Brown (DRAFT), Alana Cook, Madison Hammond, Sam Hiatt, Sofia Huerta, Alyssa Malonson, Jimena López (INT), Phoebe McClernon, Sinclaire Miramontez

Midfielders (8): Angelina, Olivia Athens, Marley Canales (DRAFT), Jess Fishlock, Rose Lavelle, Quinn, Nikki Stanton, Olivia van der Jagt (DRAFT)

Forwards (6): Bethany Balcer, Zsanett Kaján (INT/NYR), Tziarra King, Veronica Latsko, Megan Rapinoe, Ally Watt

INT – International Slot

LOAN – Player on Loan

NYR – Player has not yet reported for preseason training

DRAFT – Players selected in 2022 NWSL Draft but not signed to a contract