Seattle Reign FC announced today the club has acquired Canadian International midfielder Diana Matheson from the Washington Spirit. In exchange, Reign FC has sent the rights to midfielder Arielle Ship, the No. 26 overall pick in the 2017 NWSL College Draft, and their natural third round pick in the 2018 NWSL College Draft to the Spirit.
Matheson has spent the past four NWSL seasons with the Washington Spirit, joining the team in 2013 as a Federation Player.
The Mississauga, Ontario native played 67 games for the Spirit over the past four seasons, starting in 58. The midfielder is the Spirit’s all-time leader in both goals and assists, with 23 and 12 respectively. During the 2013 season, she led the team in goals, earning NWSL Best XI honors. Helping the Spirit to its first playoff berth in 2014, Matheson led the team in assists with six.
“I am excited about the move out west and the opportunity to join a club like Seattle,” said Matheson. “They are a club I’ve always enjoyed competing against in the past, and I’m looking forward to the chance to play with the great players and coaches there.”
The Canadian international has 191 caps for her country along with 17 goals and 20 assists. Named to four World Cup rosters and three Olympic rosters, Matheson scored the bronze medal-winning goal for Canada at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Matheson also earned a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
“Diana has proven over the four seasons in the NWSL that she is a top talent. She will bring experience, leadership and proven ability to our squad,” said Laura Harvey, Seattle Reign FC head coach and general manager. “We are really excited to bring Diana on board with our club and thankful she will scoring goals for us and not against us!”
Seattle Reign FC season tickets for 2017 are now available. To purchase tickets, visit reignfc.com/seasontix or call the Reign FC ticket office at (855) REIGN-FC.
