Lydia Williams is headed to Seattle. (photo copyright EriMac Photo for The Equalizer)
The Seattle Reign announced today that they had acquired Lydia Williams from the Houston Dash in exchange for a 2018 second-round draft pick. That pick came from the Boston Breakers, who traded it in exchange for a conditional 2018 draft pick and the rights to midfielder Lindsay Elston, who has decided not to finish the 2017 NWSL season.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to bring in another goalkeeper,” Seattle Reign head coach and general manager Laura Harvey said in a team statement. “Lydia has international experience and suits the way we like to play. I feel she can have an impact within the group both short term and long term.”
The news of the trade comes just a day after the Dash announced they had traded USWNT midfielder Morgan Brian to the Chicago Red Stars in exchange for Kristie Mewis and “future considerations if certain criteria are met.”
Williams—who has dual citizenship and therefore will not require an international spot—joined the Dash ahead of the 2016 NWSL season after Erin McLeod signed with FC Rosengård, and the Australian international immediately stepped in as starting goalkeeper. She started in and played every minute of the 15 games she was available for while not on national team duty for the Olympics. She returned as starting keeper in 2017, and played in eight matches (seven consecutive) before losing her starting spot to Jane Campbell. She has not taken the field for the Dash since June 17’s 4-2 home loss to Orlando.
Although interim head coach Omar Morales made a goalkeeper switch partway through the season effectively benching Williams, the keeper has also been sidelined by a quadriceps injury sustained during the Tournament of Nations. Williams started Australia’s first match, a 1-0 win over the US, but was replaced in goal for the remainder of the tournament by Mackenzie Arnold. At the time her injury was announced, it was said she would be out for at least a month while she recovered.
Lindsay Elston has been with the Reign since 2016 and has seen 11 starts in 27 appearances for the club since her arrival. Earlier this year she recorded her first career NWSL goal and assist in Seattle’s 6-2 win over the Spirit.
“We would like to thank Lindsay for everything she has done for our club,” Harvey said. “We wish her every success in the future.”
