Kelley O’Hara traded to the Washington Spirit

USWNT and Utah Royals FC defender Kelley O’Hara has been traded to the Washington Spirit, the club announced today. In return, Utah to receive $75,000 in allocation money, plus a 2022 first-round draft pick, If O’Hara plays in half of Washington’s matches in 2021.

Since August, it had been widely reported that O’Hara wanted to play in the D.C. area where she lives with her partner. The trade this past summer was never finalized, however, as Washington turned down Utah Royals’ request for Ashley Hatch, 25, or Tegan McGrady, 22. O’Hara remained on the Utah roster, but she opted out of the 2020 NWSL Fall Series.

O’Hara played 823 minutes (12 games) for Utah since being acquired from Sky Blue FC via a trade prior to the 2018 season. Her time in Utah had been interrupted by injuries and by international team duty with the U.S. National Team.

With O’Hara’s departure, Utah Royals FC remains with no U.S. allocated players. Becky Sauerbrunn was traded to Portland in January, and Christen Press signed with Manchester United in September. URFC retained Press’ rights, but they were drafted by the incoming club Racing Louisville FC in the Expansion Draft last month.