Delaney Baie (DB) Pridham, who clinched the Northern Super League’s inaugural Golden Boot and Player of the Year titles, has prolonged her alliance with Rapid FC until the 2028 campaign. The 28-year-old has netted 28 goals in the NSL’s first two seasons and boasts numerous appearances with the Canada national women’s team with plans to compete for a spot in the 2027 Women’s World Cup squad in Brazil this autumn.
Originally from Saratoga, California, Pridham, a Santa Clara University alumna, has plied her trade with IBV in Iceland and Kristianstads DFF and Linköpings FC in Sweden, but she cherishes her time in Ottawa. Expressing her enthusiasm, Pridham mentioned, “Being part of such a resilient club with our new ownership’s vision for the future genuinely excites me. I am truly content here. Ottawa is a magnificent city, and our fan base is exceptional and steadily expanding.”
Thomas Gilbert, CEO of Rapid FC, expressed his lack of surprise at Pridham’s decision to remain with the club, stating, “We have been in discussions with her since last year regarding this matter. DB epitomizes someone who is immensely dedicated and focused on her goals. I was confident that if we presented her with a suitable offer in line with her value, she would engage in dialogue with us.”
The financial details of the agreement were not disclosed. Pridham isn’t the sole Canadian talent making the move to Ottawa. Former national team standout Carmelina Moscato has been appointed as Ottawa’s head coach for the upcoming season, succeeding Katrine Pederson. Moscato’s coaching stints span the U.S., Denmark, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia.
This recruitment underscores the high-caliber talent being drawn to the NSL, a point Gilbert believes underscores the league’s quality. He stated, “The league’s overarching goal is to rank among the best globally. The caliber of signings like DB’s and Carm’s across the league’s teams, managed by front offices and technical staff committed to achieving that goal, confirms that we are moving in the right direction.”
While player movement between leagues occurs, the issue doesn’t concern Gilbert or NSL president Christina Litz. Gilbert emphasized proactive measures to ensure competitive conditions and contract values that incentivize players to remain, while Litz highlighted that player transfers often result from mutual discussions and personal motivations.
Pridham disclosed that a conversation with Moscato played a pivotal role in her decision to stay at Ottawa FC, emphasizing her excitement about the coach and the club. The NSL offers players valuable playing time and experience, particularly critical for those eyeing national team selection.
Recent months have seen significant player acquisitions in the NSL, including Sabrina D’Angelo and Shelina Zadorsky at AFC Toronto and Marie-Yasmine (Mimi) Alidou at Montreal Roses, all high-caliber players with international experience. The league aims to attract top talent globally, with over 30 players representing various nations, enriching the NSL’s international diversity.
Litz reiterated the league’s ambition to become a top-five global league, with player choices like Pridham’s affirming the NSL’s positive trajectory. Homegrown talent and the proximity to family and friends are key draws for Canadian players in the NSL, underscoring their personal commitment to the league’s growth.
The league’s expansion and player signings will serve as barometers of its success, with a focus on attracting and retaining top talent. The NSL’s appeal to Canadian players as a homegrown league is a driving force endorsed by players’ personal dedication to advancing the league’s stature through their choice to compete in the NSL.
