Earlier today, Seattle Reign FC has announced the re-signing of midfielder Jess Fishlock for the 2018 NWSL season. The 2018 season will be Fishlock’s sixth with the club. Per team and league policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
“It is an honor to re-sign with this club. Seattle Reign is in my heart and I am excited for the future,” said Fishlock. “I hope to bring this club back to its prior success — it is a dream of mine.”
The midfielder appeared in 20 matches for the club during the 2017 season, starting in all 20. Scoring seven goals, one shy of her career best, and tallying two assists, Fishlock was named the NWSL Best XI for her efforts. It marked the fourth time she has earned the honor.
Fishlock was named the co-captain with defender Lauren Barnes ahead of the 2017 NWSL season. In 2017 the Welsh international reached 100 all-time NWSL appearances, including postseason and regular-season matches, and will reach 100 regular-season appearances during the 2018 season. All of Fishlock’s appearances have come with one club — Seattle Reign FC.
“Jess is one of the best midfielders in the world — when she is on the field she has an ability to run the show,” said Seattle Reign FC head coach Vlatko Andonovski. “I think that every coach in the world would like to have Jess on their roster. I’m extremely excited to be able to work with a player of her caliber.”
First signing on with the club in February of 2013, Fishlock was initially unsure what to expect from the new league in America. With an extensive playing career that included stops at Cardiff City, AZ Alkmaar, and Bristol Academy, what Fishlock did know was that she was ready for a new challenge, and a challenge it was.
Reign FC’s first season struggles were well documented in 2013, as the team went 5–14–3, and placed second-to-last on the table. Despite the tough results for the team, it was clear that Fishlock would excel in the fledgling league. She finished the year second on the team in goals with four, and made her first appearance in the NWSL Best XI.
“It was a tossup between being absolutely amazing and absolutely brutal,” said Fishlock. “Whenever we have good times, we remember year one. Whenever we have bad times, we remember year one.”
The 2014 season was Reign FC’s best ever statistically, as the club scored a league-record 50 goals, allowed a league-best 20, and delivered a NWSL record 16-match unbeaten streak. It was also a strong season statistically for Fishlock, who tallied a career high eight assists and also provided four goals. Fishlock was once again named to the NWSL Best XI for her performance. The Reign FC midfield was key to the team’s success, as they won their first NWSL Shield and made their first NWSL Championship appearance.
Reign FC defended their Shield and made another trip to the NWSL Championship during 2015. Fishlock was once again a key cog for the Reign FC midfield, scoring a career best eight goals during the season. The midfielder earned yet another NWSL Best XI honor for her efforts.
The following season saw Fishlock deal with injury, fracturing her tibia. It also saw Reign FC miss out on the playoffs in for the first time since the inaugural season. Despite the injuries, Fishlock still performed well. The midfielder earned NWSL Second XI honors for her one goal and four assist season.
“I just want to get back to who we were and what has made us so successful,” said Fishlock. “We all want the same thing and have unbelievable quality. We want be back to our very best.”
