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Seattle Reign FC

Three Reign FC Players Join Melbourne City for W-League Season

November 4, 2019 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Seattle Reign FC News Release


TACOMA, WASH. - Reign FC's Steph Catley, Lydia Williams and Lauren Barnes will join Australian W-League side Melbourne City for the 2019-20 season. All three players were a part of City's squad for at least the past three years.

Melbourne City are one of the most successful clubs in the league's history, having won a record-tying three Grand Finals and one Premiership, awarded to the best team during the regular season.

Catley rejoins City for her fifth season with the club and 11th W-League season overall. The defender made seven appearances for Melbourne City last year, scoring one goal. The fullback started all 15 of her appearances for Reign FC in 2019, finishing with two assists.

Catley began her professional career in the W-League in 2009, when she made her debut for Melbourne Victory as a 15-year-old. The 25-year-old has won the W-League Championship four times and claimed the Premiership with City in 2015-16.

Barnes returns for her fourth season with Melbourne City, having played the full 90 in all 12 matches for the side last season as it narrowly missed the playoffs on goal differential. Barnes started 23 matches for Reign FC in 2019, breaking the 2,000 minute mark for the first time in her career.

The 30-year-old centerback has won three W-League Championships, having twice hoisted the trophy with City and once with the Melbourne Victory in 2013-14.

Williams also returns to Melbourne City for her fourth season. Williams played one match for Reign FC in 2019, missing time with Australia during the Women's World Cup and being placed on the 45-day Disabled List with an ankle injury.

The keeper has played eight seasons in the W-League, winning the Championship twice with City and once with Canberra United in 2011-12.

Melbourne City begin their season on the road against the Newcastle Jets on Saturday, November 16 at 11:00 p.m. PT. Select W-League matches can be seen throughout the season on ESPN+.

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