Eleven players started the 2015 NWSL Championship match for the Seattle Reign FC on October 1. Of that championship game eleven, only Stephanie Cox is no longer on the roster. Cox’ retirement and Megan Rapinoe’s knee injury aside, the Reign bring back the core of a side that has taken two consecutive NWSL Shields, has not lost at Memorial Stadium in two seasons, and made it to back to back NWSL finals. Add in that sometime starter and the first sub was typically Elli Reed and the basic line up appears to be in tact.
The end of 2015 departures were mostly depth, although Katrine Veje had a big impact late in the season when Bev Yanez was out. The retirements of Mariah Bullock & Dani Foxhoven, trading away of Amber Brooks, and Veje’s return to Europe are definitely blows to depth. But, the new internationals Antonia Goransson & Manon Melis are veterans and should be ready to plug in and play.
Looking longer term, the Reign drafted what is essentially a younger version of Cox in the first round of the draft in Florida State’s Carson Pickett. Like Cox, Pickett is a left footed attacking defender with good range. A healthy Havana Solaun, Michelle Cruz, and Kiersten Dallstream add flexibility to the Reign bench and depth. Haley Kopmeyer has played more as a number two than a backup, getting extra game time this past winter in Australia.
With minimal internationals on the roster in re USA or Canada during an Olympic year, the only real disruptions might come around some Euro qualifiers when the Europeans head out during FIFA dates.
But, Hope Solo remains the number one keeper. The defense returns Kendall Fletcher, Lauren Barnes, and Rachel Corsie. The midfield brings back Keelin Winters, Jessica Fishlock, Kim Little, and Merritt Mathias. Up front Bev Yanez should continue to see excellent service for her timely runs in the box. The core group is veteran, but this team does not appear any where near long in the tooth.
One question that will never get an answer will be the big what if of if Abby had decided to play one more season and suit up for the Reign FC. Fans can debate that one forever.
Reign FC head coach Laura Harvey has brought back her core, added some veteran internationals to cover for roster losses, and has some young players to develop. Looks like the Reign approach is full speed ahead at Fortress Memorial for 2016.
Carson Pickett Photo by Larry Novey, Courtesy of Florida State Athletics
