Seattle Reign FC has added defender Alyssa Kleiner, a former member of Portland Thorns FC and the Washington Spirit, to its roster.
Kleiner, a 25-year-old defender originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, has 43 NWSL appearances to her name. She scored her first and only NWSL goal on July 31, 2016 while playing for Washington. Kleiner was part of the Spirit squad that advanced to the 2016 NWSL Championship.
Reign FC head coach Vlatko Andonovski is familiar with Kleiner from his time coaching against her while leading FC Kansas City. He spoke about the impact that Kleiner will bring to a team that already views defense as one of its strengths.
“We are excited to add Alyssa to our roster — we have been trying to find a way to bring her to Seattle for several months, so we are happy we were finally able to make it happen,” said Andonovski. “Alyssa will bring depth and add pace to our back line, complementing a group that has performed well this season.”
On Saturday, May 5 in Portland, the recently-added Kleiner will be available for selection. Getting a chance to experience perhaps the most heated rivalry in the NWSL from a new perspective excites the young defender.
“I’m excited to put forth whatever I can to help the team,” Kleiner said. “I played there [Portland] my rookie season, so it’s been a while. I’m excited to possibly get back there on the field.”
Before playing in the NWSL, Kleiner helped the Santa Clara Broncos reach the NCAA Sweet 16 during her junior season in 2013. She represented Santa Clara on the 2011 All-WCC Freshman team as well.
Now, Kleiner joins a Seattle strong back line that already features longtime Reign FC player Lauren Barnes, national team players in Steph Catley and Theresa Nielsen, as well as the solid play of Megan Oyster, Yael Averbuch, Kristen McNabb, Christen Westphal, and Maddie Bauer. Seattle has allowed just three goals in 2018, tied for fewest in the league. The addition of Kleiner provides even more depth to a unit that has excelled thus far.
“I think it’s going to be a really good fit for me,” Kleiner said. “[Vlatko] seems like a very great coach, I’ve heard great things about him. I’m very excited to work with him. It’s great to have the opportunity to play with such high-caliber players.”
