The Wait Is Over

Take A Chance On Me

Training in Chicago is wrapping up on this second day of preseason, and Steph McCaffrey walks over to speak with Lisa Cole, the Red Stars' coach.

Steph: Can I talk to you for a few minutes?

Lisa: Sure, Steph. Follow me inside.

The two of them walk down the corridor to Lisa's office, where they each take a seat.

Lisa: What's up?

Steph: As I am sure you're aware, the Spirit is undergoing a transition from their 2021 team to a younger and more budget-friendly roster.

Lisa: Yes.

Steph: Kristie is getting caught in the middle of it. Gabarra is trying to deal her, but hasn't found a buyer in a market that would cut down on the distance between us.

Lisa: And you're wondering if we might be interested?

Steph: Yes. I know she doesn't fit our system, being a wide midfielder and us being a 4-3-3 team.

Lisa: Who said we were playing 4-3-3 this year?

Steph: Isn't that why you drafted Sophia Smith?

Lisa: We drafted her for depth, not to plug her immediately into the first XI.  We are probably going to be alternating between 4-3-3 and 4-4-2, depending on the opponent and who's playing the best.

Steph: So there would be a place here?

Lisa: There could be. I'm not going to make a trade for her, because the price would probably be too high and she'd be coming in as a part-time starter/first 18 player. If she were to be released by Washington and available as a free agent, I wouldn't be averse to signing her.

Steph: She and I discussed that possibility last night. We know that she'll have to take a pay cut if she signs as a free agent, but what salary range would you be looking to offer?

Lisa: Based on her years of play, utility, and where we sit currently with the salary cap, I'd be prepared to offer $28,000 for the season. This is hypothetical and not indicative of what an actual offer might entail.

Steph: Any chance for incentives that would allow her to boost that?

Lisa: If she were invited to a US National Team camp this season, her salary would immediately bump up to $35,000, with a second call-up moving her status up to fringe NT player, with a bump to $50,000. The following year, she would start at a base of 40k due to her past USWNT experience, then the two bumps would be added, bringing her contract potentially up to $65,000. At that point, the only players that would be making more on the roster would be you and Alyssa.

Steph: Thanks for the info. I'll talk to her tonight, convey to her what you've said, and see what she wants to do.

Lisa: She can call me directly to start the wheels in motion if she is able to get released from the Spirit. We wouldn't be able to sign her immediately, since she has to clear waivers and we're toward the bottom of the priority list. If no team claims her within 24 hours, she is then a free agent and able to sign anywhere.

Steph: I'll see you tomorrow, Coach.

***

Early that evening, Kristie called Steph to find out what she learned from the higher-ups in Chicago.

Steph: I talked to Lisa after training today.

Kristie: And?

Steph: She WOULD be interested in bringing you in if you get released by Washington and clear waivers.

Kristie: What could she offer on the salary front if that happens?

Steph: They could offer $28,000 for this season at the outset, but with National Team performance bonuses, you could reach $50,000 this season and as much as $65,000 next year.

Kristie: I haven't been in a National Team camp in several years. How likely is it that I'd get a call now that I'm the wrong side of 30?

Steph: I also ran some numbers related to what we'd need to be able to make ends meet without you touching your interest in Sporting Chic as well. The minimum salary you'd need for things to work out is 30k. Not much of a difference from what Lisa might offer.

Kristie: Sam offered to let me hedge against her profits for this year if I needed the money to get by.

Steph: Remember what I said yesterday. Come here and within a week , half of my stuff would be yours.

Kristie: You're not going to clarify that, are you?

Steph: Not until you're here in my arms on Friday.

Kristie: Why do I put up with you?

Steph: Because I know where the bodies are buried.

Kristie: That, and because you are just. so. cute. when you're being evasive.

Steph: What are your thoughts on this?

Kristie: I'm thinking that I might have found a new home.

Steph: I was hoping that'd be your response. Get your release and then call Lisa immediately. If things move quickly, you could sign your contract at Midway if either she or Arnim joins me in meeting your plane on Friday.

Kristie: OK. Love you, babe.

Steph: Love you too, sweetheart.

***

Kristie gets to the Spirit training facility early on Thursday, wanting to meet with Jim before practice to get her release and start the clock for waivers.

Jim: Kristie, you're here early.

Kristie: I've come to a decision. Release me.

Jim: Are you sure?

Kristie: Yes! After speaking with our company's CFO, who I think will be my wife by the end of the month the way she's been talking, I want my release so I can either sign with the Red Stars or take the year off and work full-time for Sporting Chic.

Jim: I understand. I'll fax off the paperwork before practice.

Kristie: Thank you.

Kristie exits and hops in her car. Before leaving, she remembers what Steph said to her a month ago: "If we can get to the same city, we will forever be at home." "I'm coming home, and I'm never leaving."

NWSL

Washington Spirit - Released midfielder Kristie Mewis.