Seattle Reign sign forward McKenzie Weinert

Seattle Reign FC announced on Wednesday that the club has signed forward McKenzie Weinert through the 2024 NWSL season. Weinert spent time with the Reign in the summer of 2023 as a national team replacement player (NTRP) during the World Cup, starting in a Challenge Cup match against Portland in July.

After her NTRP contract expired with the Reign, Weinert signed with Melbourne Victory FC in the A-League Women, the top-division women’s soccer league in Australia. In 17 games, Weinert tallied five goals and one assist, the second most combined goals and assists on the team. 

Weinert is currently fifth in the A-League Women in shots per 90, fourth in shots on target per match, and has the ninth most completed crosses into the penalty box.

She's also been a defensive menace on Melbourne Victory's frontline – winning the ninth most tackles in the league and drawing the fourth most fouls.

Weinert joined the Reign in preseason training today, ending her time with Melbourne Victory.

“It’s an honor to be back in Seattle with this amazing team,” said Weinert in a team release. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete at such a high level and look forward to contributing to the club’s success.” 

The forward, who goes by Kenzie, was also with Seattle as a non-roster invitee during the 2023 preseason, where she scored in the international friendly against Club América in February – showing off her pace. 

"Bringing Kenzie back to Seattle Reign after her time at Melbourne Victory is a win for the club," said Reign General Manager Lesle Gallimore. "Kenzie knows and understands our environment, she is a player who has absolutely embraced the work of her own development and has proven that she can learn, grow, and be a player who impacts games. Her pace, her passion, and her personality make her a wonderful signing for us and we can't wait to have her back in Seattle." 

The native of Milwaukie, Oregon, played collegiately at the University of Washington for two years, recording eight goals, five assists, and 74 shots in 37 appearances for the Huskies. Before transferring to Washington in 2021, Weinert spent four years at Oregon State University between 2017 and 2020, where she made 46 starts and recorded 13 goals and three assists.

With Weinert's signing, the Reign now have 23 players signed and another two on loan. Three roster spots – including one international spot – are still open as long as Luany and Jimena López remain on loan (both would occupy an international spot). The Reign still haven't signed their three NWSL Draft picks.