Sky Blue FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced today that it has completed a trade with Seattle Reign FC, as the New Jersey club has acquired New Zealand Women’s National Team defender Rebekah Stott and Mexico Women’s National Team forward Katie Johnson in exchange for the rights to Caitlin Foord.
“I am really excited about internationals Stott and Johnson coming to Sky Blue FC,” said Denise Reddy, Sky Blue FC head coach. “Stott is a proven back in this league, and her ability on the ball and running a defensive line are top level. Johnson is an attacking powerhouse with the movement, awareness and technical ability to be a top forward in this league.”
Stott, 24, is a versatile defender who completed her first season in the NWSL in 2017, making 18 starts over 22 matches. A staple on the Seattle backline, she also tallied an assist on the offensive end of the field. Stott began her club career in 2010 for Brisbane Roar in the Australia W-League before spending the following two seasons with Melbourne Victory. She then made the move to the Frauen-Bundesliga in Germany to play with SC Sand for two years before heading back to Australia in 2015 to join Melbourne City, winning a W-League championship during the 2015-16 campaign. Stott was signed by Seattle ahead of the 2017 NWSL season and is currently back with Melbourne City on loan. However, she will arrive in New Jersey ahead of the 2018 NWSL campaign.
Stott was born in Papamoa, New Zealand, but she grew up in Australia and played for the Young Matildas at the U-17 and U-20 level. She then opted to represent her nation of birth at the senior level, making her debut for New Zealand in 2012. Stott was named to the Football Ferns roster for the 2012 London Olympics and was featured in each match that New Zealand played in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. Additionally, she eclipsed the half-century mark for the Football Ferns when she recorded her 50th international cap last summer at the 2016 Brazil Olympics.
Johnson, 23, was taken by Seattle as the 16th overall selection in the 2017 NWSL College Draft. She enjoyed a standout career at the University of Southern California, where she played four years alongside Sky Blue FC defenders Kayla Mills and Mandy Freeman. The trio capped off their collegiate campaigns by winning the 2016 NCAA College Cup, with Johnson scoring a goal in the semifinal and then a brace in the final to lead USC to its second national championship in program history. During her rookie NWSL season, Johnson made 23 appearances, and she finished the year with four goals and a pair of assists.
Born in California, Johnson made her senior debut for the Mexico Women’s National Team in 2015, bringing another player into Sky Blue FC who has international playing experience. Since she shares dual citizenship with the United States and Mexico, Johnson will not occupy one of Sky Blue FC’s international roster spots.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Rebekah and Katie to Sky Blue FC,” said Tony Novo, Sky Blue FC President & General Manager. “Both have performed on the world stage and have been exceptionally productive at every level in which they have played. They are two young players with high-rising trajectories, and we cannot wait to have them on the field for our club.”
Foord last played for Sky Blue FC in 2015, which was her third NWSL season in New Jersey. She spent the past two years in Japan with Vegalta Sendai, but her NWSL playing rights had been retained by Sky Blue FC since that move.
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Sky Blue FC recently announced that the team will be holding its 2018 open tryouts on February 14-15 at Sportika Sports in Manalapan, N.J. The registration process for the tryouts is now open, and interested players can sign up today online.
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