Reign FC sign Lydia Williams for 2018 season

Seattle Reign FC announced today that they have retained the services of Australian international goalkeeper Lydia Williams for the 2018 NWSL season. Williams is currently on loan to Melbourne City FC of the Australian W-League and will return to Seattle at the start of next season.

Williams was a late addition to Reign FC in 2017, coming in a surprising trade with the Houston Dash at the end of August. She appeared in three games for Seattle, earning 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss. She also played eight matches for Houston in 2017 before being sidelined by injury and replaced by U.S. international Jane Campbell.

Internationally, she backstopped Australia to their victory in the first Tournament of Nations this year, including three saves and a clean sheet in Australia’s 1-0 win over the United States at CenturyLink Field on July 27.

“I’m excited to be joining the Reign right from the beginning for the 2018 season,” said Williams in a team press release. “The club has a specific direction in mind, and I think we will play an entertaining style of football. We will be ready to compete from day one.”

This transaction clearly signals Seattle’s intentions for the goalkeeping position in 2018. Reign FC head coach Vlatko Andonovski called re-signing Williams “one of the main goals” for Seattle in the off-season, also noting in the release that “Lydia is a top-class goalkeeper. Having her back will give calmness and confidence to our team.”

What this means for Haley Kopmeyer’s future with Seattle remains to be determined. Kopmeyer is under contract with Reign FC for 2018 and is currently on loan with Canberra United in Australia.