Canadian Subsidized Players Announced for 2017 NWSL Season
Canada Soccer has released its list of subsidized players set to compete in the NWSL for the upcoming 2017 season. The list includes two new players who were recently selected in the 2017 NWSL College Draft held during the NSCAA Convention two weeks ago.
NWSL Soccer News: The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced the official list of Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team subsidized players for the 2017 campaign.
“We are very appreciative of and excited by Canada Soccer’s continued support of the league as well as the meaningful impact their players are having on and off the field,” NWSL Commissioner Jeff Plush said. “It is also important for the sustained growth of our league to have the top players from around the world.”
In addition to the returning CanWNT players, forward Nichelle Prince and goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan were added by Canada Soccer and made available for selection in the 2017 NWSL College Draft held two weeks ago. Sheridan from Clemson University was selected No. 23 overall by Sky Blue FC, while Ohio State’s Prince was selected No. 28 by the Houston Dash.
“We are very excited about the news of Kailen’s allocation,” said Christy Holly, Sky Blue FC head coach. “We know that she has a very bright future in the game, and she will be a very important piece for our club in the coming seasons. This is the beginning of what we expect to be a very successful relationship for us with Kailen and the Canadian Federation.”
Washington Spirit welcome back Shelina Zadorsky and Stephanie Labbé who were subsidized players for the Spirit in 2016, helping lead the club to its first ever appearance in an NWSL Championship and the Canadian National team to its second consecutive Olympic bronze medal at the Rio Olympics.
“Both Shelina and Steph had excellent first seasons with the Spirit while winning an Olympic bronze medal with Canada,” said Spirit general manager and head coach Jim Gabarra. “We’re elated to have these two experienced players returning to provide continuity and leadership.”
The following Distribution-Eligible Individuals, whose rights were relinquished by their team, will be made available in an upcoming NWSL Distribution Draft: Josée Belanger and Kaylyn Kyle.
Canadian Subsidized Players By Team:
- Boston Breakers: Allysha Chapman
- Chicago Red Stars: None
- Houston Dash: Janine Beckie, Nichelle Prince
- FC Kansas City: Desiree Scott
- North Carolina Courage: Sabrina D’Angelo
- Orlando Pride: None
- Portland Thorns FC: Christine Sinclair
- Seattle Reign FC: Diana Matheson
- Sky Blue FC: Kailen Sheridan
- Washington Spirit: Stephanie Labbé, Shelina Zadorsky
Photo Credit: National Women’s Soccer League
