Just last week Minnesota Aurora had quite a few coaches and players headed for new opportunities. This week even more players have signed professional contracts with three players headed to new opportunities. As the start of most European and Asian leagues draws closer it's expected that a few more players from Aurora will sign on for the following season.
Olivia Rush heads to Ireland
Coming to Aurora from Indiana University Olivia Rush had a massive and immediate impact on the club this season. After just a single season with Aurora she is headed to the Republic of Ireland for the remainder of the spring to fall season after signing with Sligo Rovers.
Sligo Rovers currently sit fifth in the League of Ireland Women's Premier Division table after 13 (of 22) matches played this season. Sligo have never finished in the top half of the table during their time in the LOI, but are currently in the midst of their best season ever under first year manager Gavin Hughes.
Hannah to Canada
Hannah Boughton is off to an even more northern city as she joins Northern Super League side Calgary Wild. Boughton made her professional debut last week in a 2–1 loss against Ottawa Rapid. The midfielder from Texas played seventy minutes for the Wild before being subbed off late in the match.
Calgary sits last in the NSL table after 14 rounds and seem destined to win the wooden spoon. Boughton's addition may not change much, but it shows a club trying to climb out of the bottom of the league and earn a playoff spot. Or to at least not finish dead last in the six team league.
Maia jumps to the WE League
The biggest move of the summer is that of forward Maia Tabion, who inked a deal with Japanese top flight side Cerezo Osaka. Tabion will have a full pre-season to get ready with her new club in Osaka for the WE League season kicking off in late August
In just a few years of existence the Women's Empowerment League (WE League) has brought the top flight up to being one of the best in Asia. Japanese teams have advances to the knockouts in both of the AFC Women's Champions League held to this point, including Tokyo Verdy's finals appearance last season.
