So some bit of news. Harvey after leaving the Reign is now signed as the head coach of RSL. A bit puzzling that one as I don't think anyone saw that coming. Either way I wish her the best. Hopefully both clubs benefits from the coaching swap. Naho have but pen to paper and signed a new contract with the club. I'm glad she did as there'e still a place for her on this team. Likewise Fishlock who have also signed a new contract. This one shocked me a bit as with her being out of contract one would think she'll join Harvey at RSL. However I look forward to what she can do under Vlatko.
Reign Man's Roster thoughts and odds. (Dec 6th 2017) Everything feels very up in the air right now -- i'm sure there are lots more shoes to drop. There are going to be lots of changes, so many that there is an over-riding feeling of complete turnover. That's not going to happen. We're still going to have a familiar core. Here is our current roster (as of 6 December at 6pm) and my own opinions about next season. I also noted the current contract status to the best that i can figure. (Note, NWSL contracts are for 2 years with a club option to renew. The Reign renewed all of the 2nd year options back in October.) Rumi Utsugi, 29, MF: RE-SIGNED for 2018 Linchpin of the midfield. I would build the club around her. Vlatko has re-signed her. I think she stays. (International, fills slot 1) 100% chance she's in a Reign jersey in 2018. Jess Fishlock, 30, MF: RE-SIGNED for 2018 The deepest part of the core of the Reign, she was a bit off her best last year, but certainly still has a few good seasons left. I wouldn't part with her and Vlatko would be crazy to do so. She re-signed which is comforting but not certain (you can't be traded untile you are in-contract). Fishlock for Sauerbrunn has been mentioned because Fish is a HARVEY FAV and there's only a handful of players in the world of the caliber of those two, but i don't see it. (International, but with a green card so doesn't fill a slot) 90% Diana Matheson, 33, MF: FEDERATION We still really don't know how she would fit in at the Reign, with a whole damn year injured, but i have high hopes. Her age is a concern, but she has always seemed ageless -- and she has said she's committed to playing in the 2020 Olympics. Should connected up well with Nairn and with K-Jo. She came to Seattle for Harvs but i think she will stay and i think Vlatko will be excited to fit her into the middle of the mid-field. (International, but as a federation player i think she doesn't fill a slot.) 85% Christine Nairn, 27, MF: 2ND YEAR OF CONTRACT in 2018 Nairn got some bad reviews in 2017. Harvs tried to get her to play a less attacking DM role. Her skills and work-rate were excellent, but she always seemed isolated and working with back to goal. She needs better positioning but she's still got that superstar in her. I would keep her and move her forward. She was a HARVEY FAV and could be on Vlatko's bubble. 75% Maddie Bauer, 22, MF/D: 2ND YEAR OF CONTRACT in 2018 One of a trio of highly touted players who we only saw for few minutes in 2017 (due to school commitments in this case). She has great promise as DM as well as CB. I think she's going to be a superstar and would absolutely keep her. She was a HARVEY FAV (Laura said that Maddie was "the future captain of this club") and sadly i think there is a high probability that Vlatko and Harvey will work a trade to send Bauer to Utah. 25% Lauren Barnes, 28, D: OUT OF CONTRACT Barnsie had a few more mistakes after her awesome 2016 but i have no qualms at all at keeping her as #1 at CB. She's part of the core; the soul of the team. I expect her to sign but i am a bit worried about the fact that she hasn't yet. I am assuming Vlatko will keep her. I REALLY hope so. 80% Carson Pickett, 24, D: OUT OF CONTRACT Part of the core. We have to keep Pickett. Sign her now Vlatko! 80% Rebekah Stott, 24, D: 2ND YEAR OF CONTRACT in 2018 I was extremely impressed with her play up the right side (and her attacking play for NZ too). Naho was a better player when Stott was on the field and that says a lot. Special Harvey signing but probably not quite in the category of the protected FAVS. I absolutely want her back as part of the core of the club. Curious about what Vlatko will think. (International, fills slot 2) 80% Rachel Corsie, 28, D: 2ND YEAR OF CONTRACT in 2018 Corsie didn't seem to fit into the Reign in 2017, possibly because she only played half time due to injuries and international commitments. I don't know why but i have a vague feeling she might not be back. No idea what Vlatko will think. (International, fills slot 2) 65% Kristen McNabb, 23, D: 2ND YEAR OF CONTRACT in 2018 Really stepped up early in the season when forced into action by a team filled with injuries. A little weaker as the season went on. I think she has promise. I might consider her good trade material. I think Vlatko will agree with me and trade her. 35% Lydia Williams, 29, GK: RE-SIGNED for 2018 World class keeper, although new to the club she's the #1. I have not warmed to her and would consider a trade, but that's probably emotion speaking. I think Vlatko keeps her. A Williams for Sauerbrunn trade has been whispered but i don't see it. (International, but dual citizen so doesn't fill a slot) 90% Haley Kopmeyer, 27, GK: 2ND YEAR OF CONTRACT in 2018 OK, this is the hardest of them all. The heart of the Reign, it hurt when she was benched. She is a HARVEY FAV and some have suggested she'll be reunited with Laura in Utah. Kop is too good to be a backup, but Williams is surely the #1. So maybe a trade, but the league doesn't have any open spots at #1 GK. If it were me, i keep her and trade Williams. Realistically, i think Vlatko waives Kop and she plays in Germany. And i cry. 5% Madalyn Schiffel, 23, GK: RETIRED! She must not have seen any future with the Reign and with soccer, because she retired. Maybe she knew Harvs was leaving. I would've retained her. Vlatko would've been faced with 3 GK but since Kop may be leaving... Megan Rapinoe, 32, F: FEDERATION Vlatko is excited to keep her. She's at the top of her career, but is getting older. It's the first year in 5 that she's played more than half our games. She finally had the year we've all hoped for, but even still had an injury. I still think she's a bonus when she's available. I would keep her, i'm certain Vlatko will keep her, i expect big things from her, but i wouldn't build a team around her. 95% Katie Johnson, 23, F: 2ND YEAR OF CONTRACT in 2018 I would build the club around her. I see her as part of the CORE of our future. I think Vlatko keeps her. 95% Nahomi Kawasumi, 32, F: RE-SIGNED for 2018 Naho had a record-breaking year in 2017 but some people say she had a poor season. She did seem to disappear from time to time, but i think that was because she wasn't getting the balls she use to get since Fletcher retired. Mathias never got the ball to her. She has a new contract and i expect (at least) one more good year from her. Especially with Stott (or Moros at RB). Vlatko praises her highly. (International, fills slot 4) 100% Beverly Yanez, 29, F: 2ND YEAR OF CONTRACT Bev never got much traction in 2017, and the nasty slice to her knee really seemed to take the wind out of her - she never got back to full speed. I feel like she is much better as a #10 than a forward. A HARVEY FAV who was protected this year. I hate to say it, but i'd let her go. I'm pretty sure Vlatko will too. 10% Kiersten Dallstream, 30, F: 2ND YEAR OF CONTRACT A fan favorite, me included, who has not performed nearly well enough to justify a roster spot for 3 years. No longer protected as a HARVEY FAV i'm pretty sure she will be waived or traded or will retire. 5% Merritt Mathias, 27, F/D: 2ND YEAR OF CONTRACT A talented player with an incredible work-rate, the team is clearly considerably worse when she is on the field. A liability in defense with her low pass completion and poor sense of the field, she is a good #9 but we have plenty. I would trade her immediately. Long mysteriously protected as a HARVEY FAV, Vlatko traded her away once already, i think he will again. 10% Larissa Crummer, 21, F: 2ND YEAR OF CONTRACT A tall target forward, who plays #9, i believe that is the only position she can play but i'm not sure.. We only saw her for 150 minutes in 2017 but i feel there is a lot of promise. I hope to see more, but i think there's a good chance Vlatko lets her go -- probably to Utah. (International, we need to trade for an extra slot) 40% Jodie Taylor, 32, F: RECENT SIGNING A tall target forward, who plays #9. We picked her up cheap after she was unceremoniously dropped after a short stint at Arsenal recently. She played at Portland & Washington in the NWSL, Oregon State University, Ottawa, LA, Boston in pre-NWSL leagues as well as Lincoln, Tranmere, Birmingham in the UK and teams in Sweden and Australia -- she changes teams frequently. A high scorer in Euro 2017, in my opinion she is overrated. Some people think she was signed just to trade but that would surprise me. I think Vlatko got her on purpose, but i don't see Crummer and Taylor on the same team. (International, we need to trade for an extra slot) 90% draft We don't have any picks in the first round. We don't have any picks in the second round. We don't have any picks in the third round. We have the 6th pick in the fourth round. Speculation is that Vlatko will trade a for more picks, but i hope he doesn't trade away next year's picks to do it. I'd rather have a the 2019 draft intact. We also need to make sure we have 2 extra international slots to keep both Crum & Taylor, that's going to cost a player or a draft pick. Stephanie Cox Steph came on to help Pickett and quickly was promoted to Asst Coach. I think she can provide a continuality for the club and a lot of help for Vlatko getting up to speed. I hope he keeps her. Andonovski - Harvey Well, i'm slowly coming to grips with this, with the heartbreak of it all. A friend has been joking that i'm acting like a jilted lover. It was a shock, well really two shocks. Harvey leaving was sad, but once i was over the shock i had to admit i saw some good in it. But her signing with Utah really upset me terribly. A fellow fan thinks there may have been a 'mutual' parting, in that Predmore may have been thinking of a change after 2 disappointing seasons. That made it easier for me to handle the feeling of being jilted. (A friend who works at the club hinted that there are some, wink wink, untold stories; but she didn't tell me any. I think in the long run this is all good for the club... i have really really liked the FAMILY feeling of the club, but that's not realistic for sports. Harvey was an inspiring coach, for fans and players. She was great at spotting existing talent, not great at developing talent and poor at in-game management. Vlatko is obviously fantastic and successful but i never watched him super closely. I hope he can improve our in-game management. The hardest parts for me + It feels like we cared about her more than she cared about us. + The league's underhanded shinanagins in creating Utah. + Portland managing everything behind the scenes. With the effective coaching swap between KC/Utah and Seattle there is lots of speculation that there will be some player swaps too. I doubt there will be as many as some are suggesting, but a few are likely. Vlatko has specifically mentioned three that he wants to get to come to Seattle: For me they are a YES! Yes and NO! Becky Sauerbrunn, 32, D (Utah) - Probably the best player in the world over the last 4 years. Broon in a Reign jersey would be great! Vlatko wants her. Waiting.... Desiree Scott, 30, F (Utah) - Excellent Canadian Federation midfielder who Vlatko wants. Would be a very good addition. Shea Groom, 24, F (Utah) - A very fast, very undisciplined, very very rough forward. I cannot ever imagine rooting for her. I do not want her on our team, period. There are several other notable KC/Utah players worth mentioning. Christina Gibbons, 22, MF/D (Utah) - Probably the best all around player in the 2016 draft, every team wants her but Utah would be crazy to let her go. Rebecca Moros, 32, MF/D (Utah) - much traveled right winger who has always impressed me, if we can't hang on to Stott, she would be a good get. Alexa Newfield, 26, MF (Utah) - a very skilled midfielder who spent 6 years in college and was just drafted in 2016. I don't know that we have a vacancy, but she really impressed me. Amy Rodriguez, 30, F (Utah) - A dangerous forward. Allocated to Seattle in 2013 and missed the year for maternity leave. Traded to KC and scored the Championship winner against Seattle TWO YEARS IN A ROW. Theory is she and Harvey don't get along. And two possible rumors: Amber Brooks, 25, M/D (Houston) - Tweeted recently that she was flying to Seattle. Played some CB this year; great DM, underused in Seattle. Captained Houston to a respectable finish. Houston has a new coach who may see a different direction. I think she would be a good signing for Seattle. Chrystal Dunn, 25, F/M/D (Chelsea) - She is expected to return to NWSL this season (for national team reasons) and we have two former teammates (Matheson & Nairn). Would be a fantastic addition. misc There is another non-Seattle trade that a friend suggested: LeRoux from Utah to Orlando, Morgan from Orlando to Carolina, Hatch from Carolina to Utah. This seems very likely to me. Hatch is LDS went to BYU and grew up in SLC. And she's a budding superstar. I think she should be Utah's top target. Leauge Of course the biggest question mark is the health of the league which i think is not dire, but not good. The league office is acting irrational, dictatorial, and corrupt. So just like any normal sport. My NWSL prediction: + winter 2017-18: 2 franchises (KC & BOS) forcibly removed from independent ownership and given to MLS clubs (SLC & ?LA?), + winter 2018-19: 2 more removed (WAS & NJ) and given to MLS clubs. + winter 2019-20: last 2 removed (CHI & SEA) and given to MLS clubs.
Thank you very much for posting this very thorough analysis! I am impressed by the depth of your comments about each single player. This doubling of "international slot 2" is the only typo I found in a text of some thousands of words. This says a lot about accuracy, because a lot of little mistakes can actually slip into texts of this length, unless checked by a very good proof reader. Given how well informed you are, I expect you to already know what I am going to say, but it could be probably worth mentioning that Nahomi Kawasumi and Rebecca Moros already played together for two seasons in Japan (2012 and 2013) and that in both these seasons their club, INAC Kobe Leonessa, won the national league and the Empress' Cup (+ a national cup in 2013, while they were finalists in 2012). Both Kawasumi and Moros were starters in that team (that was also including Beverly Goebel-Yanez). so it's very likely that, should Reign sign Moros for season 2018, their chemistry on the right wing would be easier to create than it would be for two players who have never played together (also: Moros probably could remember some Japanese to interact with Naho and Rumi and possibly to communicate on the pitch in ways that can't be understood by opponents . If I remember well, she was an avid Japanese learner, back at INAC times!).
A very good analysis. With the exception of Rapinoe and Johnson, I thought Seattle looked a bit old and tired last year -- and maybe will be older and tireder this year. Maybe Bauer can step up and put some spring in their step? I truly hope Diane Matheson has another good year or two in her. I have, perhaps extravagently, described her as inch-for-inch the best player in the world. I thought Shea Groom was a dirty, uncontrolled player in her first season -- and that's a rap she still has to overcome. With a reputation, refs are more likely to call her for fouls and other players try to rile her up -- but she has great talent and I wouldn't dismiss her. If Kawasumi falters, and she wasn't uniformly great last year, and Rapinoe gets hurt, which isn't unlikely, Groom would be potent. And maybe Andonovski can get her cheaply? For Yanez? Or Nairn? Or Mathias plus one?
I haven't done one of these since this off season and now is a good a time as any. Goalkeepers (2) Haley Kopmeyer Madalyn Schiffel Lisa Williams Defense (7) Lauren Barnes (CB) Maddie Bauer (CB) Rachel Corsie (CB) Merritt Mathias (RB) Kristen McNabb (CB) Carson Pickett (LB) Elli Reed (RB) Rebekah Stott (RB) Midfield (4) Jessica Fishlock (CM) Lindsay Elston (CM) Michaela Hahn (CM) Diane Matheson - (CM) Christine Nairn (CM) Rumi Utsugi (LM) Forwards (7) Larissa Crummer (CF) Kiersten Dallstream (F) Katie Johnson (CF) Nahomi Kawasumi (RF) Magan Rapinoe (LF) Jodie Taylor (CF) Beverly Yanez (CF) Since the last time I updated this list we lost Schiffel, Reed, Elston and Hahn. Not sure I miss any of those players maybe except Elston. Also, new contracts was extended to six players; Williams, Barnes, Pickett, Fishlock, Utsugi and Kawasumi. Four of those players signed and the outstanding ones are Pickett and Barnes. With the rumor that two players will be making their way to Sky Blue for Caitlin Foord, I'm not sure who on this list we can afford to lose.
I've just read your post on the general thread: we're talking Stott and katie Johnson. Also, for some strange reason, I didn't get any alert from this thread, I just manually checked and found it had been updated. Can it depend on the fact that it was made a sticky thread? But I didn't remember that this could made it as if it was a new thread overall.
Stott and Johnson to Sky Blue for rights to Foord. Rights to Foord and 2020 #2 draft pick to Thorns for Allie Long. Looks like Foord and Thorns already have agreed to deal.
So my first update in months was only valid for like 23 minutes . Well I knew the trade was going to get announced but wasn't sure. Goalkeepers (2) Haley Kopmeyer Lisa Williams Defense (6) Lauren Barnes (CB) Maddie Bauer (CB) Rachel Corsie (CB) Merritt Mathias (RB) Kristen McNabb (CB) Carson Pickett (LB) Midfield (5) Jessica Fishlock (CM) Allie Long - (CM) Diane Matheson - (CM) Christine Nairn (CM) Rumi Utsugi (LM) Forwards (6) Larissa Crummer (CF) Kiersten Dallstream (F) Nahomi Kawasumi (RF) Magan Rapinoe (LF) Jodie Taylor (CF) Beverly Yanez (CF) Now that the dust have settled and I have slept on the news, it is time to look on the bright side. I know earlier in the preseason I advocated for wholesale shake up of the team and I guess I should have been specific . One thing I wanted is the team to commit to investing in younger players but I see management don't share that view. That being said, I like Long as a player and our midfield and attack looks very strong on paper. With a front three of Rapinoe, Taylor and Kawasumi and a middle three of Utsugi, Long and Fishlock, we should have no trouble controlling games. Now the defense is suspect. This news also does not help. Understand @RachelCorsie14 will have knee surgery next week. No word yet on who will replace her as captain for the friendlies against Norway and Russia. https://t.co/Z3fc7kYQU6— Alan Campbell (@AlanCamSport) January 12, 2018
Lol I definitely meant Long. I think Lloyd is great individually but 9/10 she doesn't fit well on a team. So I don't know if I would be too jazzed about her playing for the Reign.
So another draft in the books. We only pick too players so not as exciting. Couple points: Corsie underwent surgery should be recovered before the start of the season. We traded away Matheson and got Yael and the 25th pick with which we drafted a player (Ally Haran) who's resume looks like a mini-Yael. So if this works we have the #6 position solidify for a couple of years. We have obviously struggled at this position since Winters retired and if we can get at least 2 good years from Averbuch I'll take it. So all in all I like the trade. With the 36th pick we drafted Celia Jimenez Delgado. Again I know nothing about these players but briefly heard that she can play outside back so there's that. Have international experience with Spain in the world cup so hopefully that means if she signs she can contribute immediately. We will have to use an international spot on her though and I'm not sure if we have one. I would still like for the roster to be further trimmed and new blood brought in. I won't mind losing one or more of the following players: Corsie, Mathias, Nairn, Dallstream, Yanez. That said this is what it looks like Goalkeepers (2) Haley Kopmeyer Lisa Williams Defense (6) Lauren Barnes (CB) Maddie Bauer (CB) Rachel Corsie (CB) Merritt Mathias (RB) Kristen McNabb (CB) Carson Pickett (LB) Celia Jimenez Delgado (draftee) Midfield (5) Jessica Fishlock (CM) Allie Long - (CM) Christine Nairn (CM) Yael Averbuch (CM) Rumi Utsugi (LM) Ally Haran (Draftee) Forwards (6) Larissa Crummer (CF) Kiersten Dallstream (F) Nahomi Kawasumi (RF) Magan Rapinoe (LF) Jodie Taylor (CF) Beverly Yanez (CF)
No problem: Blue = 2nd year option picked up by the club Green = New contract Purple = Federation player No color = Not yet signed. In the case of Pickett and Barnes they were both offered new contracts by the club but haven't signed it yet.
Some good news, Barnes have signed the new contract. So that makes Carson Pickett the only holdout. I don't know what leverage these players have but in my mind I'm trying to come up with a reason why she haven't signed yet and the only thing I can think of is her wanting more assurances of that starting role at LB.I think playing Utsugi in that position is a waste so hopefully Pickett get more games as our starting LB this season. Goalkeepers (2) Haley Kopmeyer Lisa Williams Defense (6) Lauren Barnes (CB) Maddie Bauer (CB) Rachel Corsie (CB) Merritt Mathias (RB) Kristen McNabb (CB) Carson Pickett (LB) Celia Jimenez Delgado (draftee) Midfield (5) Jessica Fishlock (CM) Allie Long - (CM) Christine Nairn (CM) Yael Averbuch (CM) Rumi Utsugi (LM) Ally Haran (Draftee) Forwards (6) Larissa Crummer (CF) Kiersten Dallstream (F) Nahomi Kawasumi (RF) Magan Rapinoe (LF) Jodie Taylor (CF) Beverly Yanez (CF)
Boston Breakers dispersal draft tomorrow and Reign could get two good picks: any player we could be interested to in particular to fill some gap in our team?
As I mentioned in the general thread, my first options would be Lavelle and maybe McCaskill but since we pick 3rd those two might be gone. In that case we should be all over Allysah Chapman as not only is she one of the best RB in the league but she fills a requirement we have (no RB on the team except Mathias) and she's free as she is subsidized by the Canadian federation. Other then that if we can get 1 or 2 young midfield prospects that'll be swell
So big trade went down today with Reign trimming the heard and trading Kopmeyer, Pickett, Nairn and 3rd round pick for Catley and Spencer. We still haven't addressed our right back situation (cross fingers really tight that we get Chapman) but I like this trade. We have gotten rid of several players that made up the numbers on the squad and recieved a quality left back. I especially like it because we have another Stephanie playing at left back once again. All is right with the world . Also, I rather our bench was comprised of promising young players instead of players. Now if Vlatko can get rid of Corsie, Dallstream, and Mathias I'll be eternally grateful I'm not gonna go over my apathy about players like Nairn but lets just say I'm glad she's gone. Spencer have bounced from team to team probably because she's good enough to come of the bench but not good enough to be a main stay as a starter. She brings that spark of the bench that went away by trading Johnson. As for Kopmeyer, speaking strictly about if this trade hurts the on field product, the answer is no. Williams is a massive upgrade and you can find backup GK a dime a dozen at anytime. I'm however sad about how her tenure at the club came to an end. We will never know what prompted Harvey mid season to bench Kop (I've stated why I hated this move before) and bring in Williams but I think Vlatko is making the best of an awkward situation and hopefully Orlando treat Kop well. We will miss her. Goalkeepers (1) Lisa Williams Defense (6) Lauren Barnes (CB) Maddie Bauer (CB) Rachel Corsie (CB) Merritt Mathias (RB) Kristen McNabb (CB) Steph Catley (LB) Celia Jimenez Delgado (draftee) Midfield (4) Jessica Fishlock (CM) Allie Long - (CM) Yael Averbuch (CM) Rumi Utsugi (LM) Ally Haran (Draftee) Forwards (6) Larissa Crummer (CF) Kiersten Dallstream (F) Nahomi Kawasumi (RF) Magan Rapinoe (LF) Jasmine Spencer (F) Jodie Taylor (CF) Beverly Yanez (CF)
What a whirlwind this offseason have been. After the dispersal draft this is what it looks like. I'll provide squad analysis later Squad size: 19 (4) Player rights Celia Jimenez Delgado (College draft) Ally Haran (College draft) Lindsey Elston (Dispersal draft) Goalkeepers (2) Lydia Williams Michelle Betos Defense (8) Lauren Barnes (CB) Steph Catley (LB) Maddie Bauer (CB) Rachel Corsie (CB) Merritt Mathias (RB) Kristen McNabb (CB) Megan Oyster (CB) Christen Westphal (CB) Midfield (6) Elizabeth Addo (CM) Morgan Andrews (CM) Jessica Fishlock (CM) Allie Long - (CM) Yael Averbuch (CM) Rumi Utsugi (LM) Forwards (7) Larissa Crummer (CF) Kiersten Dallstream (F) Nahomi Kawasumi (RF) Magan Rapinoe (LF) Jasmine Spencer (F) Jodie Taylor (CF) Beverly Yanez (CF)
So while I'm bored I'm going to do some depth analysis. Though given the rate at which the reign have been making trades we may have a brand new team by tomorrow. Goal keepers (A): Williams, Betos Pretty happy with this. Any other year I would have been concerned about having two proven starters on the same team as such situations are never stable. However, I expect Williams to miss several games this year and next year in preparation for the world cup. So having Betos as a back up is the perfect situation.