Seattle Reign FC announced today the signing of goalkeeper Michelle Betos. Per team and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Betos will join Seattle Reign FC prior to the start of the 2018 National Women’s Soccer League season, pending receipt of her International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
“The packed schedule and international calendar meant that we need a pair of experienced keepers to see us through the season,” said Reign FC head coach Vlatko Andonovski. “Michelle’s experience in the league and abroad — as well as her familiarity with the club — made her the perfect fit. Plus, as I witnessed first-hand, she may even be good for a goal or two this season.”
This will be Betos’ second stint in the NWSL and with Seattle Reign FC, as spent the 2013 with the club before spending 2014 through 2016 with Portland Thorns FC. During her time in the NWSL, Betos established herself as one of the league’s best net minders, earning 2015 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year honors.
Betos amassed through 144 saves through 39 NWSL appearances and ranks first all-time among Thorns FC keepers in saves. The goalkeeper is perhaps best known for scoring the NWSL’s first and only goal by a goalkeeper, coming in a 1–1 draw with FC Kansas City during the 2015 season.
“Reign FC are a team that is greatly respected throughout this league and are tough to beat,” said Betos. “They are a close group who fight for each other and play for the badge on their jersey. It’s the kind of team you hate to play, but love to be a part of. It’s really an honor to be back and I can’t wait to get started.”
The University of Georgia alum was a key figure in Reign FC’s inaugural 2013 season, serving as the club’s starting goalkeeper for seven matches. An opportunity to return to the club where her NWSL career began was a big draw for Betos.
“I’m incredibly excited to be re-signing for the Reign. It has been a winding road back to Seattle and its pretty cool to consider how much we have both grown since 2013. I was so grateful to start my time in the NWSL there and feel the same about my return.”
After a series of trades, Betos began the 2014 NWSL season in Portland. Spending the season learning from then-starter and World Cup champion Nadine Angerer for the duration of 2014, Betos would become the Thorns FC starter for a majority of 2015 with Angerer at the World Cup.
Betos’ play in 2015 was her career best, setting personal bests for games played (14), minutes played (1,260), saves (45), wins (5) and shutouts (2). Betos would go on to be named NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year, the first Thorns FC goalkeeper to earn the honor, and was named to the NWSL Best XI.
After two seasons of consistent play behind Angerer, Betos established herself as the first-choice goalkeeper for the 2016 NWSL season. Helping Thorns FC to their first NWSL Shield, Betos was in the league’s top five for saves with 50, and top five for shutouts with four. Betos was named a finalist for NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year for her efforts.
Following the 2016 season, Betos headed abroad to play join Vålerenga of the Norweigan Toppserien. Vålerenga finished the 2017 season in seventh place with 34 points and a 10–4–8 record.
