Soccer: two Americans join the Montreal Roses

Montreal’s new professional women’s Soccer team is taking shape and has managed to convince two Americans to move to Quebec.

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The Roses have agreed terms with forward Alexandria Hess, former captain of MSV Duisburg, Germany, and young defender Jodi Smith, from the NCAA.

Known as Allie, Hess played a key role in helping her team remain in the top division of the Frauen Bundesliga.

In three seasons, she played 53 matches, including 47 as a starter. Versatile, Hess excels as a center forward, playmaker and defensive midfielder.

“Playing in the Bundesliga allowed me to evolve in one of the most demanding environments in women’s soccer. This experience formed me as a player and leader, and I look forward to sharing these skills with the Montreal Roses,” she said in a press release released Wednesday.

“Her intensity, her technical mastery and her experience in Germany make her a complete player,” said the club’s sports director, Marinette Pichon. Whether in defense, where she chases the opponent, or in attack, where she creates opportunities thanks to her vision and precision, she brings real added value.

His idol played in Quebec

Hess is coming to Montreal, where one of his idols, Didier Drogba, already played with the Impact in MLS.

“It was a simple decision to make. From the first contact with the people in the organization, I felt their passion for building a winning culture. I immediately felt a sense of belonging,” added Hess.

Born in the suburbs of Kansas City, the 28-year-old returned to action in 2021 after almost three years of inactivity due to an injury suffered at the University of Missouri.

Far from the beach

For his part, Smith will have his first experience outside the United States after a stint at the Athletic University of Florida.

“I can’t wait to experience a new culture and learn more about a place that is unfamiliar to me,” said the one who loves going to the beach.

The 22-year-old left-hander, who accumulated 6,697 minutes in 77 university games, was rewarded with selections to various all-star teams in the NCAA.

“Jodi Smith is a talented and promising young defender. She impressed us with her reading of the game, her ability to anticipate and neutralize dangerous actions, and her solidity in duels. Her defensive intelligence, her mastery of tackling and her quality in aerial balls make her a complete player,” described Pichon.

“Joining the Montreal Roses is a unique opportunity to continue to grow in a professional environment and build a team culture from the start,” noted Smith, whose mother, Michelle, is head coach of the Montreal Roses. The women’s soccer team at St. Thomas University.

▶ The Montreal Roses, who will begin this spring the inaugural season of the Super Ligue du Nord, a professional women’s soccer circuit in Canada, have now signed contracts with 12 players, including eight Quebecers.