OL Reign Re-signs Shirley Cruz for 2021 Season

OL Reign has re-signed Costa Rican international midfielder Shirley Cruz for the 2021 season, the club announced today. Per league and club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"For me, Shirley has always been a special player and it is very good to have her back with the club,” said OL Reign head coach Farid Benstiti. “She adapted well to the league last season and showed she will be an impactful player for our club in 2021.”

Cruz joined OL Reign in March and became a mainstay for Benstiti’s side, starting eight of the club’s nine matches in 2020 and playing 632 minutes. Cruz led the team with three assists across all competitions and showcased a talent for finding teammates in space while pressing forward.

Off the field, Cruz played a big role helping OL Reign adjust to Farid Benstiti’s tactics and coaching style, having played for the French coach at both Olympique Lyonnais and Paris Saint-Germain.

The Costa Rican national team captain is also currently nominated for the 2020 Puskás Award for a thunderous volley she scored back in January for her country.

“I am very excited to return to the club for another year,” Cruz said. “The previous season was short due to COVID. That’s why I wanted to come back in 2021; to have a chance to play a full, normal season in this very competitive league with a big club like OL Reign. The club has a lot of ambition, so I am preparing myself in the best way to try to win the first title. I am very happy to have a chance to play again with the teammates who made me feel at home this year. It is an honor to return to wear the OL Reign shirt and to fight for the league title in 2021.”