Utah Royals FC Announces Roster Changes Ahead of 2021 Season

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah Royals FC announced today that the club will retain the rights to 26 players from this year’s roster heading into the 2021 National Women’s Soccer League season. The club offered ten players new contracts while also exercising options on 10 more players.

Sights set on 2021 💪

👑 https://t.co/JuflPNWAoA pic.twitter.com/ut53ei27H5

— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) October 30, 2020

Goalkeeper Abby Smith, defender Michelle Maemone, defender Maddie Nolf, defender Gavy Vincent, midfielder Vero Boquete, forward Brittany Ratcliffe, forward Amy Rodriguez, forward Arielle Ship, forward Raisa Strom-Okimoto and forward Michele Vasconcelos have all been offered new contract by the club.

While goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart, defender Elizabeth Ball, defender Katie Bowen, defender Kate Del Fava, defender Taylor Leach, defender Mallory Weber, midfielder Gunny Jónsdóttir, midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta, midfielder Taylor Lytle and forward Tziarra King have all had their options exercised by URFC.

Additionally, goalkeeper Melissa Lowder and midfielder Marissa Sheva were not given new contracts and the option for midfielder Chestley Strother was declined. All three players are available via the waiver wire for other teams to sign.

Most importantly, URFC will still remain the rights to USWNT member Kelley O’Hara and Candian internationals Diana Matheson and Desiree Scott.

Christian Press, who recently made the move to England and is currently playing for Manchester United will remain on the 2021 URFC roster.

Dates for the 2021 NWSL are yet to be announced.