Reign FC made a few moves Wednesday, signing former U.S. international defender Stephanie Cox and Trinidad and Tobago international forward Kennya Cordner.
Seattle also announced it has officially signed U.S. star Megan Rapinoe, which was a formality at this point. To make room on the roster for the new additions, the Reign waived forward Tiffany Cameron and midfielder Lyndsey Patterson.
Cox, a Gig Harbor resident, played for the Sounders Women last summer. She won a gold medal with the U.S. at the 2008 Olympics and, pending medical clearance, is expected to make her first appearance June 29 against the Chicago Red Stars.
“Steph will bring leadership and top-level experience to our back line,” said coach Laura Harvey in a team release. “She has demonstrated that she can consistently compete at the highest levels, which should help us significantly strengthen our defense as we move into the second half of the season.”
Cordner was a member of the Reign FC reserves, where she had three goals in four games before signing. She also scored in a 6-0 exhibition win against the Haitian national team and once scored nine goals in an Olympic qualifier. Seattle awaits receipt of her visa before Cordner will be eligible.
“At every level she has played Kennya has shown she knows how to find the net,” said Harvey in the release. “We are clearly a club that is in need of a player who can consistently deliver goals, so we are excited to see the impact Kennya can have in the NWSL.”
Rapinoe, who had been on loan with France's Lyon after being allocated to Seattle, will join the team Friday and is expected to make her debut June 29 against Chicago.
Cameron and Patterson will be available to other NWSL teams through the waiver process until 3 p.m. today, after which they will become free agents. Another move will be needed when Cox is added to the active roster later this month.
From in the release from Harvey:
“Megan is a world-class talent that would make a positive impact on any club in the world. Megan’s experience with the US Women’s National Team and at Lyon will provide our club with a much-needed infusion of talent and experience.”
“Lyndsey and Tiffany have been with the club from our earliest training sessions in Japan, which made our decision incredibly difficult. Both Lyndsey and Tiffany are extremely hard workers, great teammates and very talented players. We are hopeful they find another opportunity to play in the NWSL.”
Reign FC next heads out on the road for road games Sunday (Western New York Flash) and Wednesday (Boston Breakers).