The Washington Spirit and the Western New York Flash traded goalkeepers on Thursday. Western New York acquired the rights to goalkeeper Chantel Jones and Washington received Kelsey Wys and a fourth-round pick in the 2016 NWSL College Draft.
Western New York lost top goalkeeper Adrianna Franch to a torn ACL in the preseason, and then lost Lydia Williams to the same injury mid-season. Wys filled in from there, playing 10 games total and finishing 2-6-2 with a 2.00 goals against average. Wys was the No. 18 overall pick in the 2014 draft.
“In Chantel Jones we’re getting what we believe is a starting goalkeeper in the NWSL,” Flash general manager and head coach Aaran Lines said. “She’s been blooded into the professional game, has proven that she can play in this league and is looking for the opportunity to be the number one goalkeeper.”
Jones is 26 years old. She played in five games in 2014, giving up 12 goals.
Washington will be in need of the 23-year-old Wys when starting goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris is away with the U.S. national team. Harris could miss about eight matches due to the World Cup and preparations for it. She recently emerged as the United States’ No. 2 goalkeeper, behind Hope Solo.
“Kelsey has been a target since the end of the season and I am very pleased we have been successful in bringing her to D.C.,” Spirit general manager and head coach Mark Parsons said. “Our staff has identified Kelsey as one of the best young goalkeepers in the country and we look forward to her playing a big role in 2015.”
