Updated to add drafted players. Provide my analysis in the next post Goalkeepers -(2) Haley Kopmeyer - option Madalyn Schiffel - acquired/signed Hope Solo - unknown Andi Tostanoski - waived Defense - (7) Carson Pickett - option Rumi Utsugi - option Elli Reed - option Lauren Barnes - option Kendall Fletcher - option Rachel Corsie - signed Merritt Mathias - contract pending Michelle Cruz - waived Midfield - 4 Jessica Fishlock - option Lindsay Elston - option Magan Rapinoe - federation Christine Nairn - acquired Keelin Winter - retired Kim Little - traded Havana Solaun - traded Forwards - (3) Nahomi Kawasumi - option Beverly Yanez - signed Kiersten Dallstream - contract pending Manon Melis - retired Rights (3) Veronica Perez Ariana Romero Morgan Marlborough Summer Green - traded 2017 Draft picks (4) 6th overall pick - Maddie Bauer - CB - Standford 16th overall pick - Katie Johnson - F - USC 26th overall pick - Areille Ship - F- California 37th overall pick - Kristen McNabb - CB - Virginia 3rd overall pick - traded 36th overall pick - traded International Spots (5) 1. Rachel Corsie 2. Naho Kawasumi 3. Rumi Utsugi 4. Available 5. Available
So in keeping with the general tradition of the club, we had another underwhelming draft. The Reign really needs to invest in scouts that travel outside of PNW and California. Anyway, I know next to nothing about college players so I rely on others (mostly Chris H) to get a feel for these players. I've read his write up for who we picked and that is what I think. The good news is that Harvey and I were on the same page about what our needs were entering this draft. It is my opinion that the college draft is very good at producing ready-made defenders and forwards but not midfielders unless we are talking about rare players like Brian or Lavelle. With that said, I was expecting us to draft center backs and forwards and we did just that. Both Barnes and Fletcher are playing in the W-League again so who knows what to expect next season. Corsie is coming off injury and will be gone for the Euros. So there's a good chance that both Bauer and McNabb make this team and even start at some point. The good news is the transition from college to pro at the CB position is pretty easy in this league. There are several players drafted in the 1st, 2nd and even 3rd rounds that started on day 1. So I have high hopes that 1 or both of these players will be starters. Interestingly when Jill was on the broadcast and they asked her which players impressed her in the current U-23 camp she mentioned Bauer. So make of that what you will. As for the 2 forwards we drafted, again I'm not familiar with these players and Chris H rated them solid "B" players. What I find interesting though is that in his review for Johnson you get the impression that she might be a player that mostly shows up for the big moments. Her performance during the college cup is evidence of that. As I have lamented several times on this board, we need players with those kind of killer instincts on this team. Here's hoping she does make the team along with Ship. P.S: Jen also mention on the broadcast the Laura will be signing 1 or more internationals in the coming days/weeks. We all knew this was coming given the trade for the additional slot. I'm more than positive the signing will be a midfielder/forward hence why I haven't started panicing yet given our current depth at this position.
So saw the news that Kendall is retiring and won't be back. Can't say I'm surprised really as like Winters she had a very long and successful pro career. I'll be committing more on this later ...
So another stalwart of this team is retiring but as a fan of the Reign I'm really excited for Fletcher as she give her everything to this club for three years and we were the better for it. I wish her well at seminary school. In terms if what this means for the team, I think it's exciting because since the fire sale that occurred during the 2014 preseason, we haven't seen an influx of new faces on the team and I think with such key pieces such as Little, Winters and Fletcher leaving, it makes things exciting. I guess this explain why Harvey draft 2 CB because our current depth is at 2. I also won't be shocked if some other CB that weren't drafted or was drafted by other teams, eg. SBFC, to make the team. Now if only Harvey and co will announce those new signings ...
Updated to remove Kendall Fletcher. I have heard rumors that Mathias and Dallstream are not a sure thing to return next year which fits with the information I have so far with this list. If that is true, then the current squad count stands at 13 players. At this point in the offseason, that's awfully low. Biggest concern for me right now is: CB - We badly need at least 1 person who can start from day one and at least 1/2 more for depth. RB - Starting the season with Reed as our starting RB especially with Fletcher no longer available to cover for her is not inspiring. It's time to call on Ari Romero. FW - We need depth here badly especially players with speed. CM - Need more option here as well. Current squad (13/20) Goalkeepers -(2) Haley Kopmeyer - option Madalyn Schiffel - signed Hope Solo - unknown Defense - (6) Carson Pickett (LB) - option Rumi Utsugi (LB) - option Elli Reed (RB) - option Lauren Barnes (CB) - option Rachel Corsie (CB) - signed Merritt Mathias (RB) - contract pending Midfield - 4 Jessica Fishlock (B2B) - option Lindsay Elston (CM) - option Magan Rapinoe (LM) - Federation Christine Nairn (CM) - acquired Forwards - (3) Nahomi Kawasumi - option Beverly Yanez - signed Kiersten Dallstream - contract pending Rights (3) Veronica Perez Ariana Romero Morgan Marlborough 2017 Draft picks (4) 6th overall pick - Maddie Bauer - CB - Standford 16th overall pick - Katie Johnson - F - USC 26th overall pick - Areille Ship - F- California 37th overall pick - Kristen McNabb - CB - Virginia Outgoing from 2016 Andi Tostanoski - waived Kendall Fletcher - retired Michelle Cruz - waived Keelin Winter - retired Kim Little - traded Havana Solaun - traded Manon Melis - retired Summer Green - traded 3rd overall pick - traded 36th overall pick - traded
Very interesting question and I love speculating what the lineups will be. From s2 - s4, we played the traditional 4-2-3-1 with Winters, Fishlock and Little as the 6, 8 and 10. If we use that same formation, this is how I would shoe in the players Kopmeyer Pickett; Barnes; Corsie; Reed/Mathias Utsugi; Nairn; Fishlock Rapinoe; Yanez; Kawasumi For me there are two issues with this starting lineup: Reed/Mathias is a very obvious weak link at RB. Secondly the midfield is unbalanced/lopsided on the left. Utsugi, Nairn, Rapinoe and potentially Pickett who are all most effective in the left-mid spot and during the course of the game they will all tend to occupy that space leaving gaps in the middle and on the right. If I was to use another formation to have all our best players in their optimum spot, I'll shop for a really good #6/CDM and play with 2 #8 (Nairn, Fishlock) instead of a #10. That new formation will look like this: Kopmeyer Utsugi; Barnes; Corsie; Reed/Mathias #6 Nairn; Fishlock Rapinoe; Yanez;Kawasumi
And just as I completed the above post the Reign announce a signing. Can't say this gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling but I'll like to here from anyone who have seen her play. City defense this year is not exactly setting the league on fire. Reign FC have signed defender and New Zealand international @stotty_13. #LetItReignStory: https://t.co/JhkjwintJT pic.twitter.com/8m5vPD323p— Seattle Reign FC (@reignfc) January 17, 2017
Updated to add new signing Current squad (14/20) Goalkeepers -(2) Haley Kopmeyer - option Madalyn Schiffel - signed Hope Solo - unknown Defense - (6) Carson Pickett (LB) - option Rumi Utsugi (LB) - option Elli Reed (RB) - option Lauren Barnes (CB) - option Rachel Corsie (CB) - signed Rebekah Stott - signed Merritt Mathias (RB) - contract pending Midfield - 4 Jessica Fishlock (B2B) - option Lindsay Elston (CM) - option Magan Rapinoe (LM) - Federation Christine Nairn (CM) - acquired Forwards - (3) Nahomi Kawasumi - option Beverly Yanez - signed Kiersten Dallstream - contract pending Rights (3) Veronica Perez Ariana Romero Morgan Marlborough 2017 Draft picks (4) 6th overall pick - Maddie Bauer - CB - Standford 16th overall pick - Katie Johnson - F - USC 26th overall pick - Areille Ship - F- California 37th overall pick - Kristen McNabb - CB - Virginia Outgoing from 2016 Andi Tostanoski - waived Kendall Fletcher - retired Michelle Cruz - waived Keelin Winter - retired Kim Little - traded Havana Solaun - traded Manon Melis - retired Summer Green - traded
Update: Merritt Mathias have been re-signed. Current squad (15/20) Goalkeepers -(2) Haley Kopmeyer - option Madalyn Schiffel - signed Hope Solo - unknown Defense - (7) Lauren Barnes (CB) - option Rachel Corsie (CB) - signed Merritt Mathias (RB) - signed Carson Pickett (LB) - option Elli Reed (RB) - option Rebekah Stott - signed Rumi Utsugi (LB) - option Midfield - 4 Jessica Fishlock (B2B) - option Lindsay Elston (CM) - option Magan Rapinoe (LM) - Federation Christine Nairn (CM) - acquired Forwards - (2) Nahomi Kawasumi - option Beverly Yanez - signed Kiersten Dallstream - contract pending Rights (3) Veronica Perez Ariana Romero Morgan Marlborough 2017 Draft picks (4) 6th overall pick - Maddie Bauer - CB - Standford 16th overall pick - Katie Johnson - F - USC 26th overall pick - Areille Ship - F- California 37th overall pick - Kristen McNabb - CB - Virginia Outgoing from 2016 Andi Tostanoski - waived Kendall Fletcher - retired Michelle Cruz - waived Keelin Winter - retired Kim Little - traded Havana Solaun - traded Manon Melis - retired Summer Green - traded
City have allowed the second fewest goals in the league, and Stott has been the most consistent defender for them this season.
I was trying to keep the update positive hence why I didn't say anything but this announcement is ugh indeed.
I was holding out updating the roster until I got better news other than Dallstream had resigned. So here we go. Changed the status of Dallstream to signed and Current squad (16/20) Goalkeepers (2) Haley Kopmeyer - option Madalyn Schiffel - signed Hope Solo - unknown Defense (7) Lauren Barnes (CB) - option Rachel Corsie (CB) - signed Merritt Mathias (RB) - signed Carson Pickett (LB) - option Elli Reed (RB) - option Rebekah Stott - signed Rumi Utsugi (LB) - option Midfield (4) Jessica Fishlock (B2B) - option Lindsay Elston (CM) - option Magan Rapinoe (LM) - Federation Christine Nairn (CM) - acquired Forwards (3) Nahomi Kawasumi - Option Beverly Yanez - Signed Kiersten Dallstream - Signed Rights (4) Veronica Perez Ariana Romero Morgan Marlborough Diane Matheson 2017 Draft picks (4) 6th overall pick - Maddie Bauer - CB - Standford 16th overall pick - Katie Johnson - F - USC 37th overall pick - Kristen McNabb - CB - Virginia Outgoing from 2016 Andi Tostanoski - waived Kendall Fletcher - retired Michelle Cruz - waived Keelin Winter - retired Kim Little - traded Havana Solaun - traded Manon Melis - retired Summer Green - traded 2018 natural 1st round pick - Chicago 2018 natural 3rd round pick - Washington
So with the recent trade for Matheson, I think the squad is a lot more balanced if you play a flat 4-3-3. Kopmeyer Utsugi; Barnes; Corsie; Mathias Nairn; Matheson; Fishlock Rapinoe; Yanez; Kawasumi On paper this is an OK squad but I have 2 concerns: 1. Mathias is still a liability at RB and Reed is not an OK option 2. Our defense in the middle is incredible soft and short. Of the 6 front player, Fishlock is the only above average defender. Having Barnes and Corsie in the middle doesn't help either. I think Harvey should target a really strong CB or DM, even if just to close out games. The team is also lacking height wise in the middle. A middle 3 of Fishlock, Nairn and Matheson on average have to be one of the shortest in the league. I know height is not all it takes when defending aerial threat, as Fishlock proves, but it doesn't hurt either. In this league where majority of the teams play very direct, I'm worried that we will be getting beat repeatedly on height and pace. On the plus side, I would personally write a strongly worded email to Harvey is this team doesn't score at least 5 goals from set pieces. Nairn, Kawasumi, Rapinoe, Fishlock and Matheson are all excellent set piece takers.
Updated - Changed the status of Matheson from "Rights" to "Federation Player" - Added new signing Larissa Crummer. More comments in a second post. Reign FC have signed forward @LarissaCrummer. #LetItReignStory: https://t.co/Zk2GLYz0Pn pic.twitter.com/CLcIMlcRlJ— Seattle Reign FC (@reignfc) January 26, 2017 Made change to reflect contract length under the assumption that all league contracts are 1+1. Current squad (18/20) Goalkeepers (2) Haley Kopmeyer - 2/2 Madalyn Schiffel - 1/2 Hope Solo - unknown Defense (7) Lauren Barnes (CB) - 2/2 Rachel Corsie (CB) - 1/2 Merritt Mathias (RB) - 1/2 Carson Pickett (LB) - 2/2 Elli Reed (RB) - 2/2 Rebekah Stott - 1/2 Rumi Utsugi (LB) - 2/2 Midfield (5) Jessica Fishlock (B2B) - 2/2 Lindsay Elston (CM) - 2/2 Magan Rapinoe (LM) - 1/1 Diane Matheson - (CM) - 1/1 Christine Nairn (CM) - 1/2 Forwards (4) Nahomi Kawasumi - 2/2 Beverly Yanez - 1/2 Kiersten Dallstream - 1/2 Larissa Crummer - 1/2 Rights (3) Veronica Perez Ariana Romero Morgan Marlborough 2017 Draft picks (3) 6th overall pick - Maddie Bauer - CB - Standford 16th overall pick - Katie Johnson - F - USC 37th overall pick - Kristen McNabb - CB - Virginia Outgoing from 2016 Andi Tostanoski - waived Kendall Fletcher - retired Michelle Cruz - waived Keelin Winter - retired Kim Little - traded Havana Solaun - traded Manon Melis - retired Summer Green - traded 2018 natural 1st round pick - Chicago 2018 natural 3rd round pick - Washington
I really appreciate the work you put into this. I read it regularly. I do have one minor quibble: Little was not traded. She left, or rather she chose not to re-sign. There was no quid pro quo between Arsenal and SRFC. Her contract ended and she went home. (Yes, i'm still sad, but Matheson helps to make up for it!) I hope she does extremely well at Euro '17, i'm a big fan. But traded implies we got something from Arsenal; we didn't.
I am quite surprised that Dallstrem was kept. I really expected her to retire. She's been a step slow the last couple of years. However an interview with Harvey a couple of weeks ago said that she is faster now than she ever has been, so perhaps she has improved. As for Mathias, i'm 50-50 on her, but she is tradable and i think that is what Harvey has planned. The experiment at right back was exciting and paid off, somewhat, and her speed and work ethic is excellent.
Not exactly. You're correct she was not traded. But she was transferred from Seattle to Arsenal. Which means Seattle still had her rights (I'm not sure how the international community deals with the option years the NWSL contracts have, but Little signed a new contract for the 2016 season, which means Seattle had an option on her for 2017, this is a team option, not a player option, so Little couldn't just not sign it), so she wasn't free to just sign anywhere. They of course don't specify the terms of the transfer, but since it wasn't a free transfer, it's likely there was some monetary compensation. Exciting? Sure... for the other team. But unless you think giving up multiple PKs is paying off, it did not pay off. Yes she can run quickly and she tries her hardest, but she's a liability at right back. Her best role, IMHO, is as a late game energy sub on attack when you already have the lead and just want to keep the opposition in their half.
she was transferred from Seattle to Arsenal. Which means Seattle still had her rights ... but since it wasn't a free transfer, it's likely there was some monetary compensation. Thanks for the clarification. I certainly hope there was monetary compensation, but i haven't seen any indication. I defer to Blaze but i still think it should say 'transferred' rather than traded.
> Exciting? Sure... for the other team. Yes, i chose my words carefully. > But unless you think giving up multiple PKs is paying off, it did not pay off. That was the biggest of several problems. I said it paid off somewhat in that i think it was an improvement over Reed, but still not satisfactory. That's why i was surprised we resigned her. I do think that the rest of the league see her as having trade value so i'm hoping that is Harvey's strategy. > Her best role, IMHO, is as a late game energy sub on attack when you already have the lead and just want to keep the opposition in their half. Agreed.
Two PKs that cost us a spot in the post season, but who's counting .... I'll edit Little's status during the next update. Didn't want to edit it now as the subsequent conversation will look wierd