SEATTLE (October 17, 2016) – Seattle Reign FC announced today the transfer of midfielder Kim Little to Arsenal Ladies FC of The FA Women’s Super League (FAWSL) in England. Per club and league policies, terms of the deal and the transfer fee were not disclosed.

Kim Little to Arsenal Ladies

Little will join Arsenal in January 2017 on a multi-year contract. Little previously played for Arsenal Ladies FC of the FAWSL from 2008 to 2013.

“Kim was presented with an unbelievable offer by Arsenal, so given our respect and appreciation for Kim, we felt it was right to let her return home to pursue the opportunity,” said Seattle Reign FC general manager and head coach Laura Harvey. “She is an extraordinary person and player, so while we hate to lose her, we are really happy for her and support her decision.”

“Being involved in a great club with great players and great people, I had the best few years here,” said Little. “I’ll miss playing with the girls and being with the team. It’s been great to be involved with such an amazing organization.”

Little departs Reign FC as the all-time leading scorer in the NWSL, netting 33 goals during her three seasons in Seattle. The Scotland international was named league MVP in 2014, while winning the NWSL Golden Boot with a league-leading 16 goals. She also provided seven assists in 2014, good for second-best in the NWSL.

The midfielder was named to the NWSL Best XI in both 2014 and 2015, and was named to the league’s Second XI this season. Little was also honored earlier this year as the 2016 BBC Women’s Footballer of the year.

Little may be best remembered for her role in Reign FC’s two consecutive NWSL Shields in 2014 and 2015, a span of 44 regular-season matches which saw Reign FC tally 29 wins, 10 draws and only five losses, with a goal differential of +50.

“Kim took a risk coming to Seattle before the 2014 season. I knew that she could help us achieve what we wanted, and I think that the trust created between the two of us is something that will remain forever,” said Harvey. “Our door will always be open for Kim in any capacity, whether it be as a player or whatever she chooses to do when her playing career is over.”

Laura Harvey contract extended

October 18, 2016 (SEATTLE) – Seattle Reign FC today announced that it has signed head coach and general manager Laura Harvey to a four-year contract extension that will see her lead the club through the 2020 NWSL season.

Harvey earned the extension by leading Seattle Reign FC to a cumulative regular-season record of 42 wins, 25 losses and 19 draws over the past four seasons, capturing the NWSL Shield in both 2014 and 2015. Over this span Reign FC amassed the NWSL’s most wins (42), best goal differential (+44), most points-per-game (1.686), and the club shares the record for most regular-season goals (142).

Harvey’s squads share the record for the longest winning streak (7 matches), longest home winning streak (6 matches) and longest away winning streak (4 matches). Reign FC also owns the NWSL’s longest unbeaten streak (16 matches), achieved in 2014 when Seattle started the season with 13 wins and three draws.

Over the last three seasons Reign FC has surrendered just 62 goals, good for a league-leading goals-against-average of 0.969 over that span, with a league-record 5-match shutout streak in 2016.

Harvey was honored as NWSL Coach of the Year in 2014 and 2015 and made the 10-coach shortlist for FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football in both 2014 and 2015. In 2014 Harvey was also recognized as the FA Coach of the Year and the FA Pro Game Female Elite Coach of the Year.

“I believe Laura has demonstrated she is the best coach in women’s football,” said Seattle Reign FC owner Bill Predmore. “The results she has delivered on the pitch, her ability to attract world-class talent, and her unique gift for managing and inspiring players has made her a truly special leader for our club. Our ultimate objective remains the NWSL Championship – Laura is the best person to help us achieve that goal.”

“I am excited by the opportunity to achieve our ultimate goal – the NWSL Championship,” said head coach and general manager Laura Harvey. “Bill and I share a vision for how best to build a championship-caliber team, so I thank him for his trust and support as we work towards that objective. We are an ambitious, relentless club that won’t be satisfied with anything less than a championship.”

Reign roster moves

October 19, 2016 (SEATTLE) – Seattle Reign FC announced today that the team has exercised options on eleven players, while five other players have been offered new contracts for the upcoming season.

Players whose options were exercised for the 2017 season include: goalkeepers Haley Kopmeyer and Andi Tostanoski; defenders Lauren Barnes, Kendall Fletcher, Carson Pickett, Rumi Utsugi, and Elli Reed; midfielders Jessica Fishlock and Lindsay Elston; and forwards Nahomi “Naho” Kawasumi and Manon Melis.

Defenders Rachel Corsie and Merritt Mathias, forwards Beverly Yanez and Kiersten Dallstream, and midfielder Havana Solaun are out of contract and have been extended new contract offers. Defender Michelle Cruz is out of contract and has been placed on the Re-Entry Wire.

Following the conclusion of the 2016 season, Reign FC captain and midfielder Keelin Winters announced her retirement from professional soccer.

Seattle Reign FC has completed a transfer of midfielder Kim Little to Arsenal Ladies FC.

USA midfielder Megan Rapinoe remains on the club’s roster as a Federation Player.

Seattle continues to hold the NWSL rights to goalkeeper Hope Solo, who had shoulder replacement surgery in late September.

Teams will have until Thursday, October 20th to make submissions for players on the Re-Entry Wire.

Place a deposit for Reign FC 2017 season tickets today. For questions regarding season tickets or to purchase, visit us online at reignfc.com/seasontix or call the Reign FC ticket office at (855) REIGN-FC.