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USWNT: Arsenal Ladies pick up midfielder Heather O'Reilly

By Alex Butler
U.S. women's soccer team member Heather O'Reilly (9). (UPI Photo/Brian Kersey)
U.S. women's soccer team member Heather O'Reilly (9). (UPI Photo/Brian Kersey) | License Photo

Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Another world-class United States soccer star is sprinting to Europe.

USWNT midfielder Heather O'Reilly signed with the Arsenal Ladies Wednesday. She has 231 caps for the USWNT, an Olympic gold medal, and a World Cup title.

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"Beyond excited to announce that I have signed with @ArsenalLadies! It's an honor to join a club with an incredible history of excellence," O'Reilly tweeted.

O'Reilly joined FC Kansas City in 2015, leading the Blues to its second NWSL Championship. Her new deal brings her to the Football Association Women's Super League in the United Kingdom. She'll begin playing immediately.

"She is a world class player and one of the most respected players in the US," Arsenal Ladies manager Pedro Martinez Losa said in a team statement.

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"HAO is one of the most incredible players that I've been around. Losing her at the beginning of the season won't be easy, but I think at this point in her career it is the best thing for her," FC Kansas City head coach Vlatka Andononvski said in a team statement.

O'Reilly will suit up for the first time in Arsenal ladies colors on Feb. 19 as the team honors retired legend Kelly Smith.

"I have a lot of respect for FC Kansas City, the staff, the players, and the fans," O'Reilly said in a team statement. "I also think the NWSL is an incredibly strong, competitive and quality league. For now, I want to commit myself fully to this new environment. I will have conversations about my potential future in the NWSL when those conversations need to happen. Good luck to FCKC as they begin their campaign to win another championship."

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