NWSL: Reign FC brings in Rebecca Quinn, trades for Sammy Jo Prudhomme

Tacoma, Washington (July 16, 2019) — Kicking off the week, Reign FC had a busy Monday in the NWSL. With a few players suffering injuries in the recent weeks, Reign FC bolstered their squad with a few signings and a trade.

Rebecca Quinn featured for one season in the NWSL in 2018. However, after one season with the Washington Spirit, the Canadian international left for Paris FC in France. Quinn made 17 appearances, totaling 1,385 minutes for the Spirit. However, she has yet to score her first NWSL, or professional, goal.

The midfielder/defender made two appearances for Paris FC. Additionally, Quinn has made two appearances for Paris this season. Her rights were owned by the Spirit until her signing by the French club.

Quinn spent her collegiate career at Duke, totaling eight goals in 69 appearances for the Blue Devils. She was named the ACC Midfielder of the Year in 2017, her senior year, and was a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist. Internationally, Quinn has 48 appearances and five goals for Canada. Recently, she was in France for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, where Canada dropped out in the Round of 16, losing to Sweden.

“Rebecca is a player who we think will fit out system well,” Reign FC head coach Vlatko Andonovski said. “She has a knowledge of our league from last year and her versatility means she can help us in a lot of ways.”

Quinn will be available for selection when Reign FC host the Chicago Red Stars on July 28.

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Sammy Jo Purdhomme helps with GK depth

The goalkeeper position hasn’t been kind to Reign FC this season.

Despite finding the goalkeeper of the future in Casey Murphy, there have been injuries left and right in goal. Michelle Betos ruptured her Achilles tendon back on May 18. Meanwhile, the club recently announced that Australian international Lydia Williams is out for 10-12 weeks with an ankle injury.

Andonovski said it’s an issue that’s been troubling her for a while.

“We’ve had a lot of internal discussions, as well as consulting the Australian federation, and have decided that the best course of action is to move forward with surgery to correct the issue,” he said. “We know she will be an important part of our team when she returns later this season.”

However, Murphy has fared well in action. The former Montpellier HSC goalkeeper has started in seven matches, recording 24 saves and notching three clean sheets.

However, Murphy needs a backup, like any other goalkeeper.

Reign FC traded with the Washington Spirit to acquire Sammy Jo Prudhomme. In return, the Spirit have acquired Australian defender Elise Kellond-Knight. Prudhomme began her career with the Boston Breakers. She made five appearances before joining the Houston Dash last year. With Jane Campbell as the starter, Prudhomme did not see any action.

“Given the injuries to Michelle and Lydia we needed to add a quality keeper to our roster,” Andonovski said. “We think Sammy Jo will be a great fit for our needs — we’re excited to have her on the squad.”

Meanwhile, Prudhomme said that she’s excited to join Reign FC.

“I greatly appreciate everything the Washington Spirit did for me while I was there but I am looking forward to getting to Tacoma and making the most of this new opportunity,” Prudhomme said.

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Reign add Schuyler DeBree from the Czech Republic

Another former Washington Spirit player is heading to Tacoma.

Schuyler DeBree began her professional career in the United States with the Spirit in 2018. She was selected in the NWSL College Draft with the 11th overall pick. DeBree was teammates with Quinn at Duke University. However, halfway through the season, DeBree joined AC Sparta Praha in the Czech Republic.

In Europe, she made two Champions League appearances.

At Duke, DeBree made 78 appearances for the Blue Devils. She was also named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2017. In addition, she was listed an All-East Reign first team.

“I have only heard the best things about the Reign FC organization, including the coaching, soccer environment and commitment to professionalism,” DeBree said. “I am incredibly excited to be a part of such a respected organization and have the opportunity to grow as a player and person within it.”

DeBree, like her new teammates, will be available for selection on July 28.

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