USWNT star Rose Lavelle traded to NWSL's OL Reign, clearing way for move to Manchester City
OL Reign, the National Women's Soccer League team based in Tacoma, Washington, announced Sunday they have acquired U.S. women's national soccer team star Rose Lavelle in a trade with the Washington Spirit.
In exchange for the midfielder, Washington will receive OL Reign's natural first-round draft pick in the 2022 NWSL College Draft and $100,000 in allocation money with the potential for more depending on Lavelle's future playing status in the NWSL.
The agreement with Washington was made with the understanding that Lavelle is "expected to sign an agreement to play outside the NWSL with immediate effect." The Reign will now control Lavelle's playing rights if she decides to return to the NWSL in the future.
Shortly after the team's announcement, Meg Linehan of The Athletic reported that Lavelle's one-year contract with Manchester City of the FA Women's Super League is "officially a go" and there will be a formal announcement to follow this week. Manchester City signed fellow American star Sam Mewis last week.
STAR OF THE FUTURE: Rose Lavelle blooms for USWNT in 2019 World Cup
NWSL: Hollywood actress leads group bringing franchise to LA
MLS IS BACK WINNERS AND LOSERS: Orlando City surprises, LA Galaxy and Atlanta United are duds
Lavelle, a Cincinnati, Ohio native and former University of Wisconsin star, spent the last three seasons with the Washington Spirit, making 21 appearances across all competitions. She was also a key member of the U.S. women's World Cup campaign in 2019, starting in six out of seven matches and scoring three goals — including the final goal against the Netherlands, winning the World Cup.
In total, Lavelle has made 45 appearances for the national team, scoring 12 goals and seven assists.
“Our project with OL Reign is ambitious, which requires taking smart, strategic risks to achieve our objectives,” OL Reign head coach Farid Benstiti said in a statement. “We all know that Rose is a special player, so for me this is a chance we had to take. I very much hope that we will have the chance to work with Rose in the future, and I am excited about supporting her as she works to achieve her destiny as one of the best players in the world.”
Contact Analis Bailey at aabailey@usatoday.com or on Twitter @analisbailey.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rose Lavelle traded to OL Reign before move to FA Women's Super League
