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BOYDS, MD (Nov. 17, 2016) – The Washington Spirit has acquired midfielder Kristie Mewis and defender Kassey Kallman from Boston Breakers as well as the No. 1 spot in the Distribution Ranking Order. In exchange, Boston will receive defender Megan Oyster, the Spirit’s Nos. 3 and 9 overall picks in the 2017 NWSL College Draft, and the No. 2 spot in the Distribution Ranking Order.
This is the third major trade since the Spirit fell just seconds shy of winning the NWSL Championship match last month. The Spirit acquired two major components in those first two transactions that were used in this third. The No. 3 overall draft pick was secured last week from Seattle Reign FC, while the No. 2 position in Distribution Ranking Order came in the initial offseason trade that saw Ali Krieger head to Orlando Pride. The move to No. 1 in Distribution Ranking Order means Washington would land the services of a new federation player to the league, such as a newly contracted U.S. or Canada International not already with an NWSL team.
Mewis has 15 caps with the U.S. Women’s National Team, making her first appearance on February 9, 2013. During the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany, she played every minute of all four matches while scoring a goal and two assists. The midfielder also played for the U-15, U-17, U-20 and U-23 U.S. National Teams.
“We feel that Kristie Mewis was one of top attacking players available in this offseason,” said Spirit general manager and head coach Jim Gabarra. “She brings a world class left foot as well as a very good understanding of our league’s challenges. Her ability to score goals and create off set pieces is a huge asset. We look forward to having Kristie as part of the Spirit.”
Mewis began her NWSL career with FC Kansas City in 2013 before becoming part of the Boston Breakers for the 2014 season. In 2014, she scored three goals and tallied two assists in her 17 appearances. The Hanson, MA native started every match for the Breakers in 2015. In 2016, the former Boston College standout played in 14 games, scoring one goal and one assist.
As a senior at Boston College, Mewis was a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist, an NSCAA First-Team All-America selection, and named to the All-ACC First-Team. She ended her college career with 39 goals, 28 assists, and nine game-winning goals, making her Boston College’s all-time leading scorer with 106 total points.
“I am thrilled and honored to be joining the Washington Spirit organization,” said Mewis. “The team has been undeniably one of the best groups in the NWSL. It’s an opportunity for me to grow and become a better player. I’m looking forward to starting with this talented group and eager for the 2017 season.”
Kallman was drafted 5th overall by FC Kansas City in the 2014 NWSL College Draft and started 18 matches on the way to Kansas City’s 2014 NWSL Championship. After being traded to Boston Breakers in the offseason, the defender started all 40 matches of the 2015-2016 seasons for the Breakers.
“Kassey is a player that I think all NWSL coaches and general managers perceive as one of the top defenders in the country,” said Gabarra. “She comes from having a strong college career at FSU and has built upon that to be a reliable and consistent defender in the NWSL. Kassey solidifies our defense, and we look forward to her continued development here with the Spirit.”
Kallman served as captain for her Florida State University team for 2012 and 2013. The former Nole was a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist and Honda Award finalist, both in 2013, and the first player from Florida State to be named ACC Defensive Player of the Year, also in 2013. The Woodbury, MN native has also participated with the U-23 and U-20 U.S. Women’s National Teams and was a member of the 2012 U-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup Championship team.
“In the past three years I have played in this league, Washington Spirit has always been a team I admired,” said Kallman. “Their talent, work ethic, and ability to play as a team is top class and something I’m very excited to be a part of.”
The Spirit selected Megan Oyster with the 13th overall pick in the 2015 NWSL College Draft. She became the first player in Spirit history to play every minute of every game of a single season – as a rookie – and was voted Defender of the Year and Newcomer of the Year for the Spirit. In 2016, the Naperville, Ill native started in 15 regular season matches plus the NWSL Championship. Oyster is currently on loan with the Newcastle Jets of the Australian W-League.
“The entire Spirit organization wants to thank Meg for her contributions over the past two seasons to the Spirit,” said Gabarra. “We know that she has developed in those two years and has the potential to become even better. We hope this change provides Meg with the opportunity to continue to play consistently and reach her potential.”
Full Name: Kristie Mewis
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Hanson, MA
Birthdate: 2/25/1991
Age: 25
Height: 5’ 7”
Full Name: Kassey Kallman
Position: Defender
Hometown: Woodbury, MN
Birthdate: 5/6/1992
Age: 24
Height: 5’ 8”
Transaction: Washington Spirit acquires Kristie Mewis, Kassey Kallman, and the No. 1 spot in the Distribution Ranking Order from Boston Breakers in exchange for Megan Oyster, the Spirit’s Nos. 3 and 9 overall picks in the 2017 NWSL College Draft, and the No. 2 spot in the Distribution Ranking Order.
