I have two issues here. First it troubling to lose high draft picks to second tier teams. Teams like PSG or Lyon u have to live with but when college seniors r choosing Glasgow City and Ajax it is worrisome. Second, I wish the Dash had taken the chance on Jordan. First u have Lloyd who is already up there and can't be counted on for a full season. Then there is the question of will Daly stay in the NWSL if she continues to feature for England. U have to believe Sampson would prefer her closer to home. Having Jordan arrive next year would have been nice insurance in both cases.
On the GK discussion, the Thorns currently have 1 keeper on their roster, Franch, with Betos heading off to Europe. I have to think Franch was going to step into the starting role, thus the Betos move. That's good for both of them, but it leaves the Thorns needing another keeper. The Thorns currently have 20 players listed on their roster, which puts them at the max. (In the past, their posted roster has included only signed players.) Plus, they apparently have an international player coming. Add a backup keeper and that gets to 22, which is 2 too many. I'm guessing there's a trade in the works for a backup keeper, perhaps a two-for-one (and maybe some draft choices) deal. The Thorns' 20 player roster includes Tyler Lussi and Caroline Flynn from this year's draft. They traded the rights to Rachel Hill, from the draft, to Orlando for future draft picks. Savannah Jordan will be overseas this year, but the Thorns own the rights to her if she comes back to the US next year. This thus appears to complete the Thorns' roster, except for the backup GK issue. So, maybe a team having 3 keepers is based on its planning to trade one of them. The Thorns certainly look like a good trade partner.
Wait... I thought the Thorns had officially signed Ashleigh Sykes, but she's not listed on their roster nor is there a news item about it on the Thorns site. Is she the international that's coming in that Paulson's talking about or do they have another one coming in in addition?
Put me in the camp that't not too worried about this move and I think it make sense. It is unlikely that Payne would have seen game time given that both Leroux and Arod would be returning this year. It therefore makes sense that she would move to a team where she's guarantee playing time to develop. I'm willing to bet that if her game does improve to NWSL standards, we will see her back in the league in the next year or two. I'm surprise people are concerned about this move given it has been happening in the NWSL quite a lot. These mid level picks that are not exactly starting level material have been moving overseas increasingly only to return back in a year or two to try their luck in the NWSL again. I think it works for everyone involved.
Agree with the above. With each year that passes where we remain at a twenty player roster, it definitely gets more difficult for these mid-round picks to stick or hang on. You are jamming more and more talent into a league where you aren't adding a whole ton in the way of roster spots. It's bordering on stupid to stick around when you can go overseas, make comparable money to what you would earn as a mid-round rookie, and actually play then return later in a better spot.
Well if the Thorns want to send me Jordan's rights for Henninger Id be willing. Jordan is a warm weather player so I don't think she'd mind Houston especially after a summer in Scotland. Who knows, she might even get to play with the FIFA world best player for a match or two.
I assume Sykes is the one (as The Oregonian reported), but the Thorns have not yet made an official announcement, which probably means that the deal is not yet completed, at least in terms of paper work and approvals.
The Portland Thorns have acquired goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom from North Carolina Courage, per source #BAONPDX #NWSL https://t.co/EICGycWSMP— Jamie Goldberg (@Jamiebgoldberg) March 7, 2017 And Breakers signed Oyster for 2017 and 2018: PLAYER NEWS: Breakers sign defender @MeganOyster!Read: https://t.co/btf5DFHmHl. #4BOS pic.twitter.com/ZYy2RgUc7g— Boston Breakers (@BostonBreakers) March 7, 2017
JUST IN | The Pride’s Steph Catley and Jamia Fields agree to new contracts. Details | https://t.co/MlexpXTSfz pic.twitter.com/lw2z6M2kGp— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) March 7, 2017 Pride re-sign Catley and Fields, waive De Vanna.
Now the pride is even weaker going forward. Whose gonna score goals? They have an intl spot so may get a striker... Could potentially be one of the best defense in the league though
De Vanna has always been hot-and-cold, both on and off the field. In general, teams are better without her. Also, it seems the following Tweet: Hearing the new int'l signing for the Orlando Pride could be "big" and make them a "serious title contender." Not Australian or European.— Michelle Stile (@Michellestile) March 9, 2017 and subsequent answer that it's not a Japanese player has set fans ablaze with the rumor that Marta might be coming back Stateside. I personally find that hard to believe unless NWSL sets up a Designated-Player-like rule, but then again Portland did manage to get Henry last season, so *shrugs* But if it's not Europe, Australia, or Japan, that certainly doesn't leave many options for players that can by themselves make a team title contenders... I doubt it's Marta but am almost certain it'll be a Brazilian - unless there's some really impressive Korean or African player I'm not aware of.
I have a hard time believing Marta as well. The only Korean player who would really register would be Ji So-yun, but she's not coming. There are 3 or so others who could compete in NWSL, but none on the level being suggested here. I'd say the same for Africa as well. If you take out Japan, Europe and Australia then I'm at a total loss beyond Marta.
Well, the same woman who posted that ambiguous tweet earlier now seems to have authored a short article confirming it: https://www.womenssoccerweekly.com/marta-to-join-orlando-pride
So if Marta joins Orlando, what are the rules around how much a team can pay for the transfer fee? "Marta has a contract with us over 2017 and I have just spoken to her and she's playing here"- Erling Nilsson (FCR) https://t.co/j5FeiWnV3p— Katja (@applessquabble) March 9, 2017
I don't think it would be the team... I mean, all player contracts are technically with NWSL itself. NWSL hasn't ever worked with transfer fees before to my knowledge aside from J. Scott leaving FCKC for the WSL, which was a whole legal battle.
Technically there is no mechanism for NWSL to pay transfer fees (at least there was not last year). Nevertheless, while never officially public, transfer fees have been paid before. Never anywhere near what Marta would likely require, though. In MLS, transfer fees count against the salary cap. In NWSL, with caps being what they are, that would be tough to do.
From the 2016 roster rules: Players Loaned to NWSL All terms of any arrangements contemplated between an NWSL Team or any related party and a Player to be loaned to NWSL shall be fully disclosed to the NWSL League office. Any loan must be extendable to a second (2nd) year which will allow for the option year to be exercised. The loan agreement will include a proviso to this effect. The League office shall make a determination, in its sole discretion, as to the terms upon which it may accept such Player on loan.
That's all about loans, not transfers. Loans don't change where the player's contract officially is; a transfer would. = = = In any case, even if Marta is coming over to Orlando, I would expect it to be after UWCL play is done. She wants to win that title with Rosengard.
And now Marta herself speaks, essentially saying "Ignore the rumors, I'm in the Champions League for today": Marta today, preparing with Rosengård for #uwcl v Barcelona: I'm here, i'm playing for his club. https://t.co/en48WvU964— Daniel (@DandalBs) March 10, 2017
Yeah, I mean she doesn't really say I'm not going anywhere. She says she is focused on Champions League right now. I think it is clear that if she does go anywhere, it won't be until after Champions League is over.
Still curious what those fees will be like. Unlike other leagues, Sweden goes to Nov/Dec so doesnt necessarily magically be out of contract in June transfer window. Most teams make moves in June anyway because CL is over and no player is prevented from participating unlike those transferring in January.