Howell, New Jersey — Imani Dorsey began her NWSL career three years ago after being drafted by Sky Blue FC. Ever since, Dorsey has remained an impact player for the club. She has recorded 36 appearances and scored six goals in two seasons. Now, she’s staying in New Jersey for a third season.
Dorsey and Sky Blue FC agreed to a one-year contract, with a potential option when the season ends. However, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Dorsey, who shifted into a more defensive role last season, will be coached by Freya Coombe.
Coombe said she’s excited to work with Dorsey, an alum of Duke.
“She is a very talented player who is very driven and shares the ambitions of the club,” Coombe said, via a press release. “I am really looking forward to working with her in the upcoming season.”
Meanwhile, Sky Blue FC General Manager Alyse LaHue said that keeping Dorsey with the club was a priority in the offseason. LaHue has also re-signed Nahomi Kawasumi and added McCall Zerboni from the North Carolina Courage.
“Imani has had an incredible start to her pro career with the season and a half she’s spent at Sky Blue,” LaHue said. “From her NWSL Rookie of the Year campaign in 2018 to now, we’ve seen tremendous versatility and growth. She is the type of player you want to build your club around for years to come.”
Dorsey recently earned her first U.S. women’s national team call-up in November. Meanwhile, Dorsey was also part of Vlatko Andonovski’s Identification Camp for the national team in December.
Ready to goooo! https://t.co/kmsRYmuC8c
— Imani Dorsey (@Imdorsey96) February 13, 2020
Lauren Barnes re-signs with Reign FC
Ever since the NWSL’s inception, Lauren Barnes has been an undeniable force in the league. Barnes has spent her entire NWSL career in the same place, too. The Seattle and Tacoma area has become her home, as Reign FC picked her up in 2013.
Now, she’s staying for her eighth season on the Puget Sound.
Barnes signed a one-year extension with Reign FC on Thursday. She has 149 regular-season appearances for the Reign, where she features at centerback. Bill Predmore, current Reign CEO, said that bringing Barnes back was a priority.
“She has been one of the most consistent, reliable and accomplished defenders in the NWSL since its inception,” Predmore said. “Lu is a brilliant leader and truly great person. We are thrilled to have her back for the upcoming season.”
Meanwhile, Barnes said it’s an “honor” to play for the Reign.
“The club strives to provide a culture where players can grow and reach their potential,” Barnes said. “I’m proud to be a ‘Reign original’ back for my eighth season and can’t wait to see what the 2020 version of the Reign can achieve. It’s going to be an exciting year with the addition of the OL Groupe and our originals Bill and Teresa.”
