SANDY, Utah – (Friday, May 3, 2019) – Utah Royals FC have signed FW Raisa Strom-Okimoto and DFs Meghan Cox and Alexa Kimball to National Team Replacement contracts for the duration of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
Cox’s roster position will supplement DF Kelley O’Hara’s roster spot while Kimball will supplement DF Becky Sauerbrunn’s. Additionally, Strom-Okimoto will supplement FW Christen Press’ roster spot. Both players are eligible for competition with immediate effect.
“These talented young players have been committed to our club the past few months and I’m happy that we get to give them the opportunity they deserve,” Utah Royals FC General Manager Stephanie Lee said.
Strom-Okimoto joins URFC after a standout collegiate career at the University of Hawaii where during her senior season in 2018 was awarded the Big West Conference Player of the Year – the first University of Hawaii player to win the award. During her senior season Strom-Okimoto notched 12 goals and registered three assists. She finished her collegiate career in the top 10 in nine different offensive categories including: goals, assists, game-winning goals, shots, shots on goal, multiple assist matches and overtime goals.
Kimball joins URFC after being selected number 32 overall in the 2019 NWSL College Draft by URFC from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While a member of the Tar Heel squad, Kimball appeared in 92 matches, recording 994 total minutes. Kimball scored nine goals for UNC while registering seven assists.
Cox carries with her prior NWSL experience having played for the Portland Thorns during the 2017 season where she registered 263 minutes played across 10 appearances. Cox made two starts for the Thorns.
Utah Royals FC hosts the Chicago Red Stars on Friday, May 3 at Rio Tinto Stadium. URFC currently sits second in the NWSL having won its first two matches of 2019. Tickets to Friday’s match can be purchased at UtahRoyalsFC.com or by calling 844.REAL.TIX.
