(Welcome to part two of a ten-part series taking a look at the non-roster invitees to each NWSL club’s preseason camp. I’ve got a good bead on most of these players, but there are gaps that need to be filled, so comments are appreciated.)

Kassidy Brown – D – Illinois

Local product is a long way removed from her college career having exhausted her eligibility after the 2013 season with the Illini. Played multiple roles at college level but size probably makes her a center-back at this level. Got a lot of experience but was never a standout with Illinois in four seasons. Club needs center-back depth but faces a major battle to stick.

Taylor Comeau – MF – Cal (Apollon Limassol)

Played in nine matches as an amateur for the Thorns last season before hoofing it to Cyprus to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Showed some sparks of potential in her time with the club but also looked far from the finished product. Has enough upside to likely be one of the top reserves here at least.

Madi Krauser – D – Colorado [Chris’ 2016 NWSL Draft #50]

A raw prospect who just started playing on defense this past season after playing earlier in her career as a forward that netted seven goals and ten assists her first two years with Colorado. Not tremendously quick but faster with the ball than without. Can play on either flank. Needs seasoning but could see time as a reserve this season.



Giuleana Lopez – F – Morehead State (Merliappi United)

Back again in camp with the Red Stars after making preseason camp with the club last year. Showed an ability to score consistently in Europe’s mid-tier leagues but hasn’t been able to catch on here. Uncompromising and physical style of play. Not much room for forwards on this roster though.

Rosie Malone-Povolny – MF – Marquette (Medkila)

Older prospect has spent the last five years playing in Europe after finishing her college career with Marquette. Had a great season with Norwegian side Medkila in 2015, netting eleven goals in league and cup competitions and has twenty-two overall in past five seasons in Europe. Tough to break through here but could stick on the end of the bench somewhere in this league if she doesn’t hop back over the Atlantic.

Olivia Pappalardo – MF – Colorado

Another local product out of Chicago who went West to play her college ball. Played central midfield for the Buffs during her time with the Pac-12 side. Didn’t provide much in the way of offense and never really stood out in a tough league. Another whose draft stock probably sagged with the Buffs’ poor 2015 season and faces a big challenge to stick.

Jennifer Pelley – GK – SIU Edwardsville

Experienced collegiate keeper was in goal for one of the near-shocks in NCAA Tournament history when Edwardsville took Kentucky to penalties before bowing out. Above average keeper who never really hit the next level, even at a mid-major. Has size and experience as a four-year starter with SIUE but tough seeing her as more than an emergency option for the near term.

Rebekah Roller – MF – DePaul (Merliappi United)

Another expat, Roller played extensively for Finnish side Merliappi United in 2015. Started eighty games during her college career with DePaul and finished strongly as a senior, though she was never a star for the Blue Demons. Rock solid defensive midfielder with a little touch for playmaking but offense not really her game. Midfield hard to break into with Red Stars though.

Joan Sieja – F – Oakland

Listed at forward on the roster but more of an overall playmaker. Finished college career with eight assists this past season to go with three goals. Was one of the Horizon League’s best players as Oakland made the NCAA Tournament this year with Sieja winning conference tournament MVP honors. Will get a look but stiff odds on this roster.

Brianna Smallidge – GK – Seattle University (Chris’ 2016 NWSL Draft #98)

Stood out at small school powerhouse Seattle U, but Redhawk success a blessing and a curse having played against vastly inferior competition much of the time. Good size and range at 5’10” but can struggle with high balls close to goal. Probably needs a season or two of development to challenge for full roster minutes and probably not a threat to be more than a #3 right away.