NWSL: 2017 Preseason Rosters Announced, No Hope Solo
Each of the ten NWSL clubs released their preseason camp rosters this week. Draft picks and new names stock the lists, with one notable absence.
The 2017 NWSL season is only a month away, and the teams are finally beginning their official preparations. It has been an offseason full of action for the young league, with almost no subject left untouched.
Star players leaving, star players missing, teams being sold or moved, and a historic TV deal made the winter months quite exciting for the NWSL. However, the attention is finally turning back to the action on the pitch.
ICYMI: Preseason camp is officially underway, which means preseason matches are right around the corner.
— OL Reign (@OLReign) March 13, 2017
Story: https://t.co/8aVbtbSear pic.twitter.com/HpLIlsVvCz
On Monday the league released the entire roster breakdowns for each of the ten clubs. Each team has a camp of 20-30 players, including signed players, draftees, and invites. The 2016 NWSL roster rules required that teams only hold a maximum of 20 players at any given time.
Although the 2017 roster rules have not been announced; given that the league hasn’t expanded, it is expected that the 20-player cap will remain.
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The Seattle Reign
While every roster features both locks and hopefuls, the Reign’s player list calls out the most notable absence from the league thus far – Hope Solo. After being suspended by US Soccer from national team duty last season, she took leave from Seattle and had shoulder surgery.
In the last month Hope has seen her suspension ended, and signed a TV deal, but without mention of a return or retirement. The Reign’s preseason roster lists four keepers, with history showing almost every team only retains two for the season.
Haley Kopmeyer was the starter to close out 2016, is expected to be the number one this season, and recently signed a new contract. Madalyn Schiffel was acquired through a trade this offseason, and appears to be a bright young talent.
With the Reign’s roster stocked full of veterans, big names, and battling draft picks, all 20 spots will be filled. Have we seen the last of Hope Solo? Would she entertain the possibility of playing for another team in the NWSL, or Europe? She has been traveling Europe and purchased a home in North Carolina during the recent months.
Next: NWSL: Takeaways From The 2017 Schedule Release
Even without Hope, or the on loan Alex Morgan and Carli Lloyd, the NWSL season will be greeted be eager fans. Two new owners, a national TV deal, and expansion news around the corner. A great time for both the league and the sport in the US.