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The Kelley O’Hara to the Washington Spirit saga

Per reports, the Utah Royals FC/USWNT defender was to be traded to Washington, but the Spirit turned down the trade.

2020 NWSL Challenge Cup - Quarterfinals Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

According to reports on Sunday, August, 16 from Meg Lineman from The Athletic and Paul Tenorio, also from The Athletic, Utah Royals FC/USWNT defender was heading to the Washington Spirit via a trade.

On Tuesday, August, 18, there was confusion on the initial reports that said O’Hara to Washington was a done deal when the Utah Royals FC front office denied the reports. Meg Linehan of The Athletic clarified the situation after conversations with the club.

Then on Friday, August 21, Steven Goff of The Washington Post reported that the trade had been turned down by the Washington Spirit.

It’s been quite the saga, and it’s clear, by the reports, that O’Hara wants to play in Washington. The Spirit tried to accommodate the request, but they were not willing to lose young talent.

O’Hara was traded to Utah from Sky Blue FC in December 2017 prior the club’s inaugural season in 2018. Her time in Utah has been limited by injuries and national team duty.