Seattle Reign FC announced today that the club has signed midfielder Havana Solaun for the 2015 National Women’s Soccer League season. Reign FC acquired the University of Florida product with the No. 15 overall pick on January 16, 2015 in the NWSL College Draft.
“Signing with Reign FC is very exciting. I came in not knowing what to expect and not knowing much about the league but being in camp has been amazing and the entire team has been so welcoming,” said Solaun.
For the past four weeks, Solaun has impressed head coach and general manager Laura Harvey in training. In addition to adjusting to the tempo demanded from the players around her, the midfielder has excelled in learning the technical side of Harvey’s system.
“Havana is a young, talented player who is very good on the ball. The most important thing for us is she is also very comfortable in possession,” explained Harvey. “Whether under pressure or not, she can keep control of the ball and move it in the way that we want her to.”
The Gainesville, Fla. native made her preseason debut for the team against the University of Portland on March 28 at Merlo Field. Entering the match at the start of the second half, Solaun created numerous chances and helped Reign FC pressure the Pilot’s backline.
“She has developed a lot over just the last four weeks and to think how good she could be in the next six months could be pretty scary,” noted Harvey.
Solaun played in 90 games (71 starts) for Florida and was an All-Southeastern Conference first-team selection in 2013 and 2014. The Gator co-captain cemented her place as a staple member of Florida’s offense during her first three years, totaling 21 goals and 23 assists. She finished her college career among the top 10 on following Gator Career Charts — No. 10 goals (30), No. 6 assists (32), No. T-8 game-winning goals (11) and No. T-8 points (92).
While Solaun is joining an experienced midfield with veteran players such as captain Keelin Winters, Welsh international Jess Fishlock, and Scottish international Kim Little, Harvey sees Solaun as the type of player that fits Reign FC’s possession-oriented style of play.
“Havana fits the profile of players we are looking for. She is athletically fit, which is a must in this league. She’s done really well in preseason and she can play numerous positions, which will be great for us throughout the season.”
Solaun will have her first opportunity to make her professional debut with Reign FC tonight as the club finishes up preseason play against the University of Washington on the Moda Pitch at Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m. PT.
