Welsh internationals Angharad James and Lily Woodham are headed to Seattle, the Reign announced Wednesday. Both players signed two-year contracts, Woodham has a mutual option for a third year.
James was acquired via transfer from English side Tottenham Hotspur FC. She will join her new club once cleared for her visa. The Reign paid a transfer fee to English side Reading FC for Woodham and she will also arrive once she obtains her visa.
“I’m excited to be joining such a prolific club in the NWSL,” James said in a news release. “I’m looking forward to this new opportunity. I can’t wait to arrive in Seattle and meet the fans!”
The Reign teased James’ signing via social media with midfielder Jess Fishlock answering a call and telling the unknown caller she “can’t wait to see you in Seattle, you’re going to love it.” Fishlock is the longtime captain of the Welsh women’s national team.
But Fishlock’s posts on the social media platform X seemed to be surprised at the addition of Woodham. The country’s official account dubbed the Reign “Welsh Mafia” and Fishlock tweaked the standard Seattle Reign chant to Seattle Wales.
“This club has a history filled with success and I’m eager to contribute to the team as much as possible,” Woodham said in a news release. “Looking forward to playing in front of you all soon!”
The Reign had five U.S. internationals on the roster last year. That was cut to defenders Alana Cook and Sofia Huerta after forward Megan Rapinoe retired and free agents Rosa Lavelle and Emily Sonnett signed with NJ/NY Gotham FC in January.
James, 29, and Woodham, 23, are the kind of gritty players the Reign could use to possibly breakthrough and win the charter club’s first NWSL championship. Seattle advanced to the final last year, losing to Gotham.
Woodham originally signed with Reading in 2018. She’s currently the team’s captain and has totaled 84 appearances and two assists.
“Lily became a professional at a very young age,” Reign general manager Lesle Gallimore said in a news release. “Joining the Reign is a leap she felt she needed for her career and continued development … she is a quality defender and an attacking threat from the back. It will be fun to have her in the NWSL.”
James, who’s nicknamed Haz, made 17 appearances for the North Carolina Courage in 2021. She was acquired by the Orlando Pride the following season, making 11 appearances, including seven starts. She’s started 28 of her 33 appearances and tallied two assists for Tottenham the past two seasons.
“Haz James brings experience and depth to our team,” Gallimore said in a news release. “Her international experience both for club and country, coupled with her previous time in the NWSL, give her an understanding of the environment and give the club another solid addition to our project. We can’t wait to have her with the group this season.”
The Reign are currently holding a preseason training camp in Costa Rica. Seattle opens its NWSL slate on March 17 against the Washington Spirit at Lumen Field.
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