FanSided MLS
·22 December 2024
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Yahoo sportsFanSided MLS
·22 December 2024
The transfer market of the NWSL made history with the arrival of Lynn Williams to Seattle Reign FC. The USWNT forward was transferred from NJ/NY Gotham FC with an impressive resume. One wouldn't lie if he called Williams one of the biggest names in the league's history with her achievements, remarkable stats, and a reputation which goes well beyond the soccer field.
Since her NWSL debut in 2015, Williams has built a career that commands admiration. The 31-year-old forward has already won four league titles and three NWSL Shields, in addition to individual honors such as the 2016 NWSL MVP award and spots on the league's Best XI in multiple years. With 80 goals across all league competitions, she became the NWSL's all-time leading scorer last season.
But the numbers don't stop there. Williams leads the league in shots (506) and shots on target (252) and is the only player in NWSL history with at least 60 goals and 30 assists in the regular season.
For Seattle Reign FC, inking Williams is a milestone in their strategy. Lesle Gallimore, the club's general manager, underlined the fact that Williams is not just a proven winner but also a natural leader and critical to the growth of the team. "Her impact goes beyond the field," Gallimore said, as Williams brings a positive force in the locker room and is considered an outstanding teammate.
Williams also couldn't hold her excitement about this new chapter. "I have always believed that challenges make you grow, and this is an incredible opportunity for me. I'm excited to meet Reign fans and build lasting connections on and off the field," shared the forward.
If the Reign were looking for a forward who could lead in those big moments, they found her. Williams exceeds that expectation. Her experience in championship finals, paired with the ability to create and finish opportunities, is exactly what the team needed to elevate its level of play.
In addition, Williams brings intangible value: a winning mentality. She knows what it takes to secure titles, having done so with multiple teams throughout her career. At North Carolina Courage, for instance, she was instrumental in securing two consecutive NWSL championships (2018, 2019) and three consecutive NWSL Shields (2017, 2018, 2019).
On the international stage, Lynn Williams also boasts an impressive track record. Since her debut in 2016, where she scored a goal just 49 seconds into her first appearance, the forward has accumulated 75 caps, 25 goals, and 13 assists for the USWNT.
She has been an integral part of the team's success with five SheBelieves Cup titles and two Olympic medals-one bronze in 2020 and one gold in 2024. This record only further emphasizes that Reign is getting a player well-versed in performing on soccer's biggest stages.