Thorns Confirm Signing Kelli Hubly to Short-Term Contract

After Mark Parsons mentioned it on Wednesday, the Thorns confirmed that preseason non-roster invitee Kelli Hubly would be signed as a National Team replacement player for Hayley Raso, who has been called up to the Australian national team ahead of the 2018 AFC Asian Cup in April. Per the contract, Hubly will be available to play for games until Raso returns from international duty.

Kelli Hubly was a non-contract player at the club for in 2017 as well, also being signed to a temporary contract as a replacement for the European players while they were away at the European Championship, appearing in two matches as a substitute.

Hubly will be competing with Elizabeth Ball, undrafted rookie and the most recent addition to the Thorns roster, to replace the injured Emily Menges in the left centerback spot in Saturday’s game against the North Carolina Courage.

One more player will be signed to a short-term contract ahead of the Thorns game away to the Chicago Red Stars next week after Andressinha receives her official callup to the Brazilian national team. Players in contention to receive the second contract include midfielder Ashley Herndon and forwards Simone Charley and Bobbi Eckler. The Thorns cannot call up national team replacements for Caitlin Foord, as she is injured and not with her national team, or for Ellie Carpenter, who does not yet officially have a contract with the club.