Boston Breakers Sign Goalkeeper Abby Smith, Forward Brittany Ratcliffe

April 11, 2016 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Boston Breakers News Release


WATERTOWN, Mass. - The Boston Breakers announced today that the club has signed forward Brittany Ratcliffe and goalkeeper Abby Smith. Per team and league policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Selected No. 17 overall in the 2016 NWSL College Draft, Ratcliffe scored 26 goals and had 16 assists in four seasons with the University of Virginia. The Williamstown, N.J. native made 93 appearances for the Cavaliers, starting 50 of those games. Ratcliffe was a Third Team All-ACC selection in 2015.

"It has been good to watch Brittany grow over the past few weeks. She is an out and out winger who can finish as well," Boston Breakers head coach Matt Beard said. "I'm sure as the season goes on, she will grow in confidence and push to be in our starting 11."

Smith, who was drafted at No. 27 overall this year, led the Big 12 in saves in 2015 and is a two-time Big 12 All Conference selection. She was a national finalist for the 2015 Senior CLASS Award. The Plano, Texas native made headlines in 2015 for scoring a goal, the third or her career, in a match against Miami (FL), and it was the match-winner, struck from more than 90 yards out in a 1-0 win.

"Abby is a player with great potential," Beard said. "As a young goalkeeper, she still has a lot to learn, but training with Libby (Stout) day in day out and providing that competition will help her take her game to the next level."

The Boston Breakers open up the 2016 NWSL season on the road April 16 at the Washington Spirit before returning to Boston for their home opener on Sunday, April 24, against Seattle Reign FC. Tickets are on sale now at breakerstickets.com.



National Women's Soccer League Stories from April 11, 2016


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