Also in today’s Roundup, Mexico edges U.S. to win CONCACAF U-20s, Haiti qualifies at expense of Canada, and the Dash re-sign Kealia Ohai
Jasmyne Spencer is on her way to Seattle with Steph Catley.(photo: Orlando Pride)
Seattle Reign FC have acquired left back Stephanie Catley in a trade with the Orlando Pride. In what was officially announced as two different trades, the Reign also acquired Jasmyne Spencer with Christine Nairn, Carson Pickett, Haley Kopmeyer, and the Reign’s third round pick in 2019 heading to Orlando.
Catley was long rumored to be heading out of Orlando and in the end desired to play on the West Coast in order to be closer to home in Australia with World Cup qualifying ahead this year.
“Steph has played a huge part in shaping our club but knowing that, due to upcoming national team commitments, her desire was to be on the West Coast, we thought this was a good deal for all parties,” Pride head coach Tom Sermanni said. “We thank Steph for everything over the last two years and wish her the best of luck in Seattle.”
Catley and Spencer are both Pride originals. Catley scored the club’s first goal and registered the club’s first assist and Spencer appeared in the first 32 games in Pride history,
“Catley is one of the best outside backs in the world and will provide a tremendous boost to our squad,” Reign head coach Vlatko Andonovski said. “The addition of Spencer will add a new dimension to our attack.”
The Pride brought in Nairn, the league’s all-time leader in appearances spanning two tours of duty in Seattle sandwiching three seasons in Washington. Pickett, who went to Florida State, can play on the back line or in midfield. And Kopmeyer will bolster the Pride’s goalkeeping corps after they traded Aubrey Bledsoe to Washington last week.
Mexico beats US on PKs to win U-20 title
The drama of qualifying was over, but Mexico were still delighted to win the CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship on penalties over the United States on Sunday. The sides, both of whom qualified to the World Cup with semifinal wins on Friday, played to a 1-1 draw on Sunday before a scoreless extra time sent the match to penalties.
Comes in ➡️ ties the game. @tierna_davidson knows how to make an entrance!
More on the defender » https://t.co/daCYFI2o8G pic.twitter.com/OzPfgMKu5K
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@ussoccer_ynt) January 28, 2018
Mexico took a 1-0 lead into halftime through Dayana Cazares, but Tierna Davidson drew the U.S. level just four minutes into the second half. Davidson had just entered the match as a halftime substitute. During penalties, Brianna Pinto and Kiara Pickett had their kicks saved by Emily Alvarado and even though U.S. keeper Amanda McGlynn pulled one back with a save on Kim Rodriguez, Mexico had the edge and won it when Belen Cruz converted the anchor kick.
In the more dramatic Third Place match, Haiti defeated Canada 1-0 to qualify for the World Cup and send the Canadians home empty handed. Haiti become the first Carribean side to qualify for the U-20 World Cup. Canada beat Haiti in group play, 4-0.
The U-20 World Cup draw will be held March 8.
Dash re-sign Kealia Ohai
The Dash have signed Kealia Ohai to a new contract. The club’s first ever draft pick in 2014, Ohai tore her ACL last June and could miss the start of the regular season.
