Seattle Reign FC announced today that five of its players will be competing with Melbourne City FC of Australia’s W-League during the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) offseason. Midfielder Jessica Fishlock, defenders Rebekah Stott and Lauren Barnes, forward Larissa Crummer, and goalkeeper Lydia Williams return to the roster after winning the 2017 W-League Grand Final.
Fishlock, Stott, and Crummer will be playing with Melbourne City on loan. Barnes and Williams are currently out of contract but have been extended new contracts for the 2018 NWSL season.
“I’m really excited to be back here in Melbourne,” said Fishlock, who served as player-coach for much of last season. “City provides the perfect environment for me to continue my development as both a player and a coach. The people I have met here and the opportunities I have been given by the City Football Group have really made an impact on me.”
In NWSL play this season, Fishlock appeared in 20 matches, and tallied seven goals and two assists. Barnes and Stott were consistent figures across the Reign FC backline, both appearing in a total of 22 matches this season.
Williams joined Seattle Reign FC via trade in September, and started three matches for the club, making 10 saves and one shutout. Crummer was also limited in action for Reign FC after beginning the season recovering from a foot injury. The forward went on to appear in four matches for the club and score her first career NWSL goal against the Washington Spirit on September 30th.
Melbourne City will open the W-League season this Friday, October 27, when they face Perth Glory in a rematch of the 2017 Westfield W-League Grand Final. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00am PT at Nib Stadium in Perth.
All five players will return to Seattle before the start of the 2018 NWSL season.
