OL Reign Waive Shirley Cruz and Rosie White

OL Reign today announced that the club has waived the rights to midfielder Shirley Cruz and midfielder Rosie White.

Cruz, a Costa Rican international, joined OL Reign in 2020, where she quickly became a mainstay in the midfield. She started in eight of the team’s nine matches that year, accumulating 632 minutes of playing time. The veteran midfielder added three assists in three consecutive 2020 Fall Series matches. Though she was new to the squad, she stepped up help lead the team through uncertain times during the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup and NWSL Fall Series.

Cruz re-signed with OL Reign for the 2021 season and played 16 total games for OL Reign between the NWSL Challenge Cup and NWSL Regular Season. She scored two goals in 2021, including the game winner against Portland Thorns FC on May 23.

Known for her tenacity on the field, Cruz was a valuable playmaker for OL Reign. Her ability to start offensively threatening plays created many opportunities for OL Reign. A valuable defensive asset, she made 13 tackles, 12 interceptions, five clearances and two blocks during the 2021 season.

“I want to thank OL Reign for giving me the opportunity to play with great players and incredible human beings,” said Cruz. “I would like to also thank the Reign fans who gave us their unconditional support in each game. I know that next season the girls will try again. I say goodbye wishing you the best of successes for next season. I will be one more fan that will support you from a distance!!!”

Rosie White joined OL Reign in 2019 following the conclusion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. She made an immediate impact with the team, scoring her first goal for the club on August 2, 2019 against the Houston Dash to secure a 1-0 win and three very important points for the team. She came up big again for the Reign just days later on August 7, when she scored the game winning goal yet again, this time against OL Reign’s biggest rival, Portland Thorns FC. White added one assist during the Reign’s 2019 campaign. Her hard work on the field helped the team qualify for the playoffs.

In 2020, the New Zealand international made six appearances and scored one goal for OL Reign between the NWSL Challenge Cup and NWSL Fall Series. Her goal against the Utah Royals in the 2020 Fall Series was the equalizer, allowing OL Reign to come away from the match with a point.

White made two total appearances for OL Reign in 2021 – one during the NWSL Challenge Cup and one during the NWLS Regular Season. Her first appearance came in OL Reign’s 2-1 win over Kansas City during the NWSL Challenge Cup. White made her second appearance in the Reign’s first regular season match against North Carolina, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

“I am so grateful to have spent the last three years with the Reign. The players on this team have become family. I will miss being part of this organization, but I am also very ready and excited for a new challenge. Thank you to everyone who made my time here so special,” said White.