Utah Royals FC roster update

With Christen Press and Samantha Johnson acquired by Utah Royals FC on Monday via a three-team trade (also involving the Houston Dash) that sent defender Brooke Elby and five future draft picks to Chicago Red Stars, the club needed to make changes to the roster.

On Wednesday, the club announced that they had waived midfielder Maegan Kelly and released goalkeeper EJ Proctor. Neither Kelly or Proctor appeared for Utah this season.

Kelly arrived on the roster from FC Kansas City, and Proctor was drafted in the 2018 NWSL College Draft. Proctor spent her time as a practice player for the last four months and signed as a goalkeeper replacement for the match against Sky Blue FC in New Jersey. The move was made after Abby Smith was called up to represent the United States Women’s National team in the international friendlies against China P.R. It was ultimately Proctor’s decision to leave the team since she was not on a long-term contract.

2018 UTAH ROYALS FC ROSTER (as of June 18, 2018):

KEY: FED - 2018 Federation Player; INTL - International Player; IR - Season Ending Injury; DD – Dispersal Draft

GOALKEEPERS (2):

Nicole Barnhart, Abby Smith (DD)

DEFENDERS (8):

Rachel Corsie (INTL-SCO), Samantha Johnson, Sydney Miramontez, Rebecca Moros, Kelley O’Hara (FED-USA), Becky Sauerbrunn (FED-USA), Katie Bowen (INTL-NZ), Alex Arlitt (IR)

MIDFIELDERS (9):

Gunny Jonsdottir (INTL-ICE), Lo’eau LaBonta, Mandy Laddish (IR), Taylor Lytle, Diana Matheson (FED-CAN), Alexa Newfield, Desiree Scott (FED-CAN), Erika Tymrak, Katrina Gorry (INTL-AUS)

FORWARDS (5):

Brittany Ratcliffe, Katie Stengel (DD), Elise Thorsnes (INTL-NOR), Amy Rodriguez (FED-USA), Christen Press (FED-USA)

A few notes to keep in mind:

• Two players have been placed on the Injured Reserved (IR) list: Defender Alex Arlitt (knee) and midfielder Mandy Laddish (hip). IR players do not count against the active 18-20 roster limit.
• Remember the two former Boston Breakers players (Stengel and Smith) do not count towards the roster limit or the salary cap.
• Press and Johnson could make their URFC debuts at Rio Tinto Stadium next Wednesday, June 27 in an 8:00 p.m. MT kickoff vs. Seattle Reign FC. They will be unavailable for this Saturday’s game at Chicago, per the trade’s terms.