(Welcome to part five 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.)

Leah Fortune – MF – Lee University (Charlotte Lady Eagles)

This one’s a long, complicated story. Fortune was once a Brazilian youth international seen as a top level prospect in DI to the point that she looked like a vital cog for the University of Texas once she signed there. Then, astoundingly, Fortune quit on Texas in the middle of a season to pursue a “pro” opportunity in Brazil. A stopover at then-NAIA school Lee University and a shredded ACL later, Fortune’s trying the circuitous route to the pros. Unfortunately, while still talented, she’s been a shell of her past form after her serious knee injury, making her a longshot here.

Julia Kantor – GK – Florida Tech

Dual-sport athlete played both soccer and lacrosse during her stint at Florida Tech. Well traveled player also had short stints at Hofstra and JUCO side Eastern Florida State. Has size but has never really played at a high level collegiately and was never a superstar at DII level, though she was very good as a senior. With no other keeper here, she could be the backup when Ashlyn Harris is away with the USWNT, but Kantor still seems exceptionally raw on paper.

Chelsea Leiva – F – Florida International (KR)

Another player with local ties having played for Miami’s FIU during a pretty productive college career. Took her game over to Iceland after graduating and scored six goals in sixteen matches for strugglers KR, which probably doesn’t help her chances of making it over here. Pride might need an extra body in attack when Morgan and Belanger are gone, so she might have a small chance at sticking as a reserve.

Sierra Lelii – MF – Nova Southeastern (Chris’ 2016 NWSL Draft #87)

Another small school local who had a big senior season to get on people’s radars. Had tremendous efficiency as a senior with the Sharks with eighteen goals on eighty-eight shots. Looked good finishing on tape, but can she separate from pro level defenders? Will obviously get a look along with other midfield invitees but still pretty raw coming out of college and may need a while to develop.



Kim Reynolds – MF – UCF

The former Kim Newsome is a long way removed from her days with UCF, when she scored ten goals and had seven assists as a senior in 2010. Reynolds had a brief cup of coffee with Sky Blue FC during the dying days of WPS but didn’t make the cut when all was said and done. Hasn’t seemed to have played any pro ball since, so it’ll be interesting to see how much she still has in the tank as she tries to catch on here, at least as a reserve.

Jackie Simpson – D – South Florida (Chris’ 2016 NWSL Draft #47)

Maybe a bit unfortunate to go undrafted after a massive senior season for South Florida but was always going to be a priority free agent. Has decent size and a little bit of scoring ability, though she won’t be shooting as much at this level. Not afraid of mixing it up defensively and could bring some physicality to a defense that looks big on finesse at this point. With three of the club’s rostered defenders likely for the Olympics and no other defensive invitees, it’s highly likely she’ll get a chance as a reserve here.

Lauren Smith – MF – Florida (Chris’ 2016 NWSL Draft, Unranked)

Defensive midfielder for the Gators’ 4-2-3-1 the past three seasons but not as accomplished as some of the past faces that have acted as the double pivot for UF. Florida’s deeper midfielders have a notoriously poor record of being able to translate their skills to this level. Also played a little center-back this past season, and versatility might get her a look.

Allie Wisner – F – Utah (Braddock Road Stars Elite)

Has criss-crossed the country at both collegiate and pro-am level, most recently with Seattle in preseason camp last year. Was impressive in the W-League but struggled to really be a big hitter in front of goal with Utah as a collegian. Really crowded up front for the Pride, but there might be a faint chance of sticking around as a reserve when some players are gone for international duty.