Category: News

O’Hara and Lytle Traded To Utah Royals FC

Posted on by RJ Allen

In the first big blockbuster move of the offseason, the National Women’s Soccer League has announced a trade between Sky Blue FC and Utah Royals FC.

Utah has acquired U.S. Women’s National Team defender Kelley O’Hara, midfielder Taylor Lytle, and the No. 25 draft pick in the 2018 NWSL College Draft from Sky Blue in exchange for forward Shea Groom, midfielder/defender Christina Gibbons, and the No. 4 draft pick in the 2018 NWSL College Draft.

“Very exciting moves as we continue strengthening our roster in advance of preseason by obtaining highly talented players like [O’Hara] and [Lytle],” Royals general manager Craig Waibel said. “We look to properly balance the roster in the coming months in order to align with the attacking-oriented combination and possession-based style Laura wants to play.”

“On behalf of everyone here at Sky Blue FC, we also want to thank [O’Hara] and [Lytle] for all they have done over the past five seasons. They made major contributions to our club, both on and off the field, and they played significant roles in helping to develop professional women’s soccer here in New Jersey,” Sky Blue FC president and GM Tony Novo said in the Sky Blue FC news release.

U.S. Soccer Announces Dates, Venues For 2018 SheBelieves Cup

Posted on by RJ Allen

U.S. Soccer has announced the scheduling and venues for the 2018 SheBelieves Cup.

The six-game tournament will be held March 1-7 and will see the U.S. Women’s National Team host Germany, England, and France. The SheBelieves Cup will kick off with England taking on 2017 SheBelieves Cup champions France on Thursday, March 1 at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus at 4 p.m. ET, followed by the USWNT against Germany at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2). The teams will then travel to Red Bull Arena in New Jersey where the USWNT will play the first match on Sunday, March 4, taking on France at 12 p.m. ET (ESPN2) followed by Germany vs. England at 3 p.m. ET. The tournament will finish on Wednesday, March 7, at Orlando City Stadium as France takes on Germany at 4 p.m. ET followed by the tournament finale featuring the USWNT vs. England at 7 p.m. ET (ESPNews).

At this time, there are no announced streaming options for the games not featuring the USWNT.

U.S. Soccer Announces Presidential Candidates

Posted on by RJ Allen

U.S. Soccer has announced that eight candidates who submitted documentation to enter the presidential race have met the requirements to stand for election.

To be placed on the ballot, candidates were required to complete a background check and submit at least three letters of nomination from Organization Members and/or one of three Athlete Members of the Board of Directors.

 

  • Paul Caligiuri – Caligiuri’s career with the USMNT spanned over a decade, during which he earned 110 caps and scored five goals as a defender and defensive midfielder. 
  • Kathy Carter – Most recently the President of Soccer United Marketing (SUM), Carter has experience both as a player and soccer industry executive. A founding member of Major League Soccer (MLS), Carter has also served as the U.S. representative on FIFA’s Committee for Women’s Football. 
  • Carlos Cordeiro – A retired business executive with over 30 years of experience in international finance, Cordeiro has served as a USSF volunteer for the past 10 years, and represents U.S. Soccer on the CONCACAF Council and FIFA’s Stakeholders Committee. 
  • Steve Gans – A partner in the Boston law firm Prince Lobel Tye LLP (focusing on business, sports and employment law), Gans is a principal of Professional Soccer Advisors, an international soccer consulting agency. 
  • Kyle Martino – A former MLS and USMNT player, Martino has been an MLS studio analyst and color commentator for Fox and ESPN, and was most recently covering the English Premier League for NBC. 
  • Hope Solo – A World Cup Champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist with the USWNT, Solo has extensive experience in the U.S. Soccer system, playing at youth and senior levels and in every iteration of women’s professional soccer in America, including the WUSA, WPS, W-League, and NWSL. 
  • Michael Winograd – A former Division I collegiate and professional player, Winograd currently is an adjunct law professor at Fordham University. 
  • Eric Wynalda –  Currently a television analyst covering soccer events for ESPN and Fox, Wynalda is a three-time World Cup veteran. Wynalda has 106 caps and is fourth on the all-time scoring list for the USMNT. 

 

 

The election will take place during U.S. Soccer’s National Council Meeting on Feb. 10. 

USWNT To Host Denmark In January Friendly

Posted on by RJ Allen

U.S. Soccer has announced that the U.S. Women’s National Team will open their 2018 schedule with a friendly against Denmark in January after the annual training camp in Los Angeles.

Denmark was the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 runners-up, defeating powerhouses such as Norway and Germany before falling to the Netherlands in the final. The USWNT last played against Denmark at the Algarve Cup in 2014, which resulted in a 5-3 loss for the Americans. 

The game will be played in San Diego on January 21 at 4:30 p.m. PT, and will air on ESPN.

Houston Dash Appoint Vera Pauw As Head Coach

Posted on by RJ Allen

The Houston Dash have announced that they have hired Vera Pauw as their new head coach.

Pauw replaces interim head coach Omar Morales, who took over the position midway through the 2017 season after the Dash parted ways with head coach Randy Waldrum. 

Pauw, who has held head coaching positions with the Scotland Women’s National Team, the Netherlands Women’s National Team, and the Russian Women’s National Team, joins the Dash after two years with the South African Women’s National Team. 

“I’m very excited. It’s just a dream come true, isn’t it? To be able to be coach and play in facilities like BBVA Compass Stadium and in such a competitive league. Soccer is an evolving sport here in the U.S. with a unique background, and I am very excited about the opportunity ahead to work with a very talented roster. We have a solid core of players that will be key in reaching our goals for 2018 and beyond.” Pauw said in the Houston press release.

“We are thrilled to have Vera as the next Dash head coach and look forward to her making positive contributions to the club,” Dash president Chris Canetti said. “She brings a wealth of experience at the highest level, a strong record of success, and a passion for the game. She also has a strong desire to be a part of our club and believes in what we are building here in Houston.”

Laura Harvey Named Head Coach Of Real Salt Lake NWSL Team

Posted on by RJ Allen

Laura Harvey has been named head coach of the new Real Salt Lake National Women’s Soccer League team.

“Laura’s record of excellence has been proven on both sides of the pond, and she obviously possesses a vast knowledge not only of the NWSL, but of international players all over the world.” Salt Lake general manager Craig Waibel said.

“Visiting with [RSL owner] Dell Loy Hansen, [general manager] Craig Waibel, [RSL MLS head coach] Mike Petke and others and having the chance to see their vision for the club locally and the sport nationally and internationally, it was impossible not to get excited about what RSL looks to do for women’s soccer. The facilities and environment that we will be able to offer our players are world-class. This is a great place for me to continue to develop as a coach, and I believe we will be able to make a huge stamp on women’s soccer not just in Utah but nationwide.” Harvey said in the team’s official release.

Harvey, who was the head coach with Seattle Reign FC for five seasons, led the team to two NWSL shields and two championship games – both of which the Reign lost to former NWSL team FC Kansas City. She had initially stepped down from her position with Seattle in early November to pursue a reported opportunity with U.S. Soccer. However, as of this writing, there has been no indication of what the opportunity was or its current status.

It was also announced today that Real Salt Lake would be announcing the name of the new NWSL team this coming Wednesday – articles with updates will be posted here on Backline Soccer.

FC Kansas City To Cease Operations

Posted on by RJ Allen

The National Women’s Soccer League has announced that it is ceasing operations of FC Kansas City, after re-acquiring the club’s membership interest in the league.

“As the league moves on, and as difficult as it is to share this news about FC Kansas City, we feel it is in the best interest of the league and the players at this time. Most importantly, we would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank all the fans and the city of Kansas City for their support of this club, the league and the sport over the past five years.” said NWSL Managing Director of Operations Amanda Duffy.

Late last week, the NWSL announced that a new club owned by Real Salt Lake would be joining the league in 2018, and as such the new club will replace FC Kansas City in the 10-team league. 

In terms of roster and player movement, all FC Kansas City players currently on the roster will be transferred to the new club prior to the 2018 season. Salt Lake City will also receive FC Kansas City’s 2018 NWSL College Draft picks in addition to their places in the Discovery and Waiver Tie-Breakers and Distribution Ranking Order. Salt Lake will be given the No. 1 overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NWSL College Draft.

“This is the best and necessary decision for the future of the league and the players who have impressively represented NWSL and Kansas City over the past five years,” said former owner of FC Kansas City Elam Baer.

One of the eight founding teams of the NWSL, FC Kansas City leaves behind a legacy that includes three playoff appearances and two NWSL titles in five seasons.

 

 

Real Salt Lake To Join NWSL in 2018

Posted on by RJ Allen

It was announced today that Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer will launch a new club in the National Women’s Soccer League in the upcoming 2018 season. Home matches will be played in Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.

“We are very excited to welcome Dell Loy Hansen and Real Salt Lake into the NWSL family as the newest member of our league. During our discussions in this process, Real Salt Lake has demonstrated their unquestionable desire and commitment to bring the highest level of professional women’s soccer to all fans of the game in Salt Lake City and Utah. Real Salt Lake will immediately be able to hit the ground running on the business side as well as provide the players with a top-notch training ground and one of the best game venues in the country.” said NWSL Managing Director of Operations Amanda Duffy in the NWSL press release.

In the Real Salt Lake press conference, it was said that there will still be 10 teams in the NWSL. At this time, there is no mention of the fate of FC Kansas City, which has been on the market for new ownership. 

There is no information about official team name, potential roster, or potential staffing at this time.

We will be posting more articles as updates become available. 

Denise Reddy Named Head Coach Of Sky Blue FC

Posted on by RJ Allen

Sky Blue FC has announced that Denise Reddy has been hired as the new head coach of the team.

Reddy, who most recently served as assistant coach with the Washington Spirit, has head coaching experience from time spent in Sweden, Denmark, and the United States.

“Words cannot describe how excited and honored I am to be the Head Coach of Sky Blue FC. This is where my coaching career started, and it feels great to be back in Jersey and part of such a professional organization. I am looking forward to starting this journey with such top-class players and cannot wait to get on the pitch.” said Reddy.

“We are thrilled that Denise has agreed to join our organization. Her diverse experience, passion and approach to the game are a wonderful fit. We strongly believe Denise is the right person to provide our players with the development, preparation and leadership they deserve, and we look forward to the upcoming season.” said Steven Temares, Sky Blue FC co-owner.

Reddy replaces former Sky Blue FC head coach Christy Holly, who stepped down from his position in August. 

Andonovski to Seattle, Harvey to U.S. Soccer

Posted on by RJ Allen

It has been confirmed that FC Kansas City head coach Vlatko Andonovski has been hired by Seattle Reign FC for the 2018 season, replacing longtime coach Laura Harvey.

Andonovski, who was with Kansas City since 2013, led the team to two NWSL titles in 2014 and 2015. His contract with the team expired at the end of the 2017 season. He leaves the club with a 47-37-25 overall record.

“We thank Vlatko for all he has done for this club and we wish him the best of luck in the future,” said FC Kansas City owner Elam Baer.

There is no news of a replacement for Andonovski at this time.

Harvey, who had been with Seattle Reign FC since the inaugural NWSL season in 2013, will be taking a yet-undisclosed expanded role within the U.S. Women’s National Team. She leaves Reign FC with a 51-33-26 overall record, with two NWSL Shield wins in 2014 and 2015 and two NWSL Finals appearances in 2014 and 2015.

“I am deeply appreciative of all Laura gave to our organization over the past five years. She is a brilliant coach, but more importantly, she is a tremendous individual — there is nobody I would have rather worked with to build the club. Laura’s impact will be felt long after she departs, as she helped establish the enduring values that define what it means to be a part of our organization.” said Reign FC owner Bill Predmore.

Harvey had this to say: