Bethany Balcer admitted she was “heartbroken” with the way her Seattle Reign departure went down following Monday’s trade to Racing Louisville.
Balcer was sent to Louisville in exchange for midfielder Jaelin Howell and $50,000 in allocation money, ending a prolific five-and-a-half year run with the Reign.
The 27-year-old forward scored 33 goals over the past five years, tied for third in the NWSL over that span.
Following news of the trade, Balcer posted a farewell message to Seattle on her Instagram account.
“If only there were adequate words to express what my time in Seattle has meant to me,” the Michigan native said. “I’m heartbroken to be leaving this way but am forever grateful for the last six years.
“This place has transformed me and allowed me to grow in incredible ways. While the soccer was fun and rewarding, it’s the people and places I’ll miss most. Memories that will last a lifetime. Friendships that I’ll carry for the rest of my life. Seattle, it’s been an honor to represent you and play for such an incredible city and fan base.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/C-3XsJ2x8Yp/?hl=en&img_index=1
Balcer was more cryptic in an additional post on X, saying that “the truth will always come to light.”
People will write the narrative they want to write, but the truth will always come to light
— Bethany Balcer (@bethanybalcer) August 19, 2024
In the Reign’s announcement of the trade, general manager Lesle Gallimore was full of praise for Balcer’s impact during her time with the club.
“Seattle Reign would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bethany Balcer for her time with the club,” said Gallimore. “A player who took the league by storm in her rookie season and continued to build an admirable professional career here in Seattle. I know she’ll be sorely missed in the locker room, by our staff and fans. We want nothing but the best for her as she continues her career. BB8 leaves a lasting legacy.”
Since her arrival in 2019, Balcer is the Reign’s leader in games played, goals, shots and shots on target.
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