NWSL news roundup from across the league.
Potential setback for Kuikka and Chicago
In the first day of preseason training for Chicago Stars, the team may have already suffered a major setback ahead of the 2026 NWSL regular season.
According to multiple reports, Finland defender Natalia Kuikka went down with an apparent non-contact leg injury early in training. She had to be helped off the pitch and went to the locker room to be evaluated by the training staff.
After missing much of the 2025 season due to a knee injury, now the club awaits an update.
The Bow is headed to the Pacific Northwest
Brittany Ratcliffe has signed a one-year contract through 2026 with a mutual option for 2027, heading to Seattle Reign.
“Brittany brings valuable NWSL experience, versatility and competitiveness to our attacking group,” said Seattle Reign FC General Manager Lesle Gallimore. “She’s a professional who leads by example, brings a strong presence in the locker room and consistently raises the standard around her. We’re excited to welcome her to Seattle Reign FC and believe she’ll make an immediate impact both on and off the field.”
The forward has appeared in 114 regular season NWSL matches (39 starts) with 10 goals and three assists across her decade-long career .
“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to take on this new chapter of my career with the Seattle Reign organization,” said Ratcliffe. “I want to thank Lesle, Laura and the Reign ownership group for believing in me, and it’s an honor to be part of a club with such an incredible history. The staff and players have welcomed me with open arms, and I’m really looking forward to meeting the fans who make this place special. I’m so lucky to be here and can’t wait to get started!”
Sekany returns to Racing
Today, Racing Louisville FC announced that they have signed goalkeeper Olivia Sekany to a new six-month contract through July.
“I am so excited to be continuing on with Racing as I finish out my recovery journey,” Sekany said. “I am so grateful to the staff for their continued support and belief in me, and I can’t wait to be back out on the field with this incredible group of players!”
Sekany, 27, has to make an NWSL appearance with the club, but has earned many opportunities abroad on loan with Brisbane of the A- League (17 starts) and at The Women’s Cup in February 2024.
“I am incredibly excited that Liv has re-signed with the club,” Racing goalkeeper coach Sergio Gonzalez said. “Her development over the past few seasons has been outstanding, and her professionalism — both in how she represents the club and as a teammate within our training environment — has been first class. Liv brings a level of energy and intent to every session that elevates our goalkeeping group and makes everyone better.”
Category: General Sports
