Delaney Baie (DB) Pridham, the inaugural top scorer and Player of the Year in the Northern Super League (NSL), has prolonged her commitment to Rapid FC until the end of the 2028 season. With 28 goals in the NSL’s first two campaigns and a track record with the Canadian national women’s team, the 28-year-old is gearing up for the upcoming fall season as Canada vies for a spot in the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Hailing from Saratoga, Calif., Pridham, an alumna of Santa Clara University, has previously played for IBV in Iceland, as well as Kristianstads DFF and Linköpings FC in Sweden. However, her heart lies in Ottawa, where she finds joy in representing the team. She expressed her contentment with the city’s beauty and the ever-expanding fan base.
Thomas Gilbert, CEO of Rapid FC, expressed no surprise at Pridham’s decision to stay, citing ongoing discussions dating back to the previous year. He lauded Pridham’s dedication and confidence in their shared vision for the club. The specifics of the contract extension were not disclosed.
In a notable addition to Ottawa’s roster, former national team player Carmelina Moscato has been appointed as the head coach for the upcoming season, succeeding Katrine Pederson. Moscato’s coaching experience across various countries underscores the growing allure of the NSL for top-tier talent, a sentiment echoed by Gilbert, who sees these signings as evidence of the league’s upward trajectory.
Both Gilbert and NSL president Christina Litz remain unfazed by player movements in and out of the league, stressing proactive measures to ensure player satisfaction and retention. Pridham credited her decision to extend her stay to a fruitful conversation with Moscato, emphasizing the positive impact it had on her commitment to Ottawa FC.
The NSL’s appeal lies in offering players significant playing time and exposure that might not be as readily available in higher-tier international clubs, particularly for those eyeing national team opportunities. Recent acquisitions of top players like Sabrina D’Angelo and Shelina Zadorsky at AFC Toronto, as well as Marie-Yasmine (Mimi) Alidou at Montreal Roses, highlight the league’s international flavor and competitive landscape.
As the NSL aims to ascend the global rankings, attracting and retaining top talent remains a core objective. The league’s emphasis on providing a homely environment for Canadian players, enabling them to stay close to family and friends, serves as a pivotal factor in their decision to play in Canada. This shared commitment to the league’s growth among players signifies a collective effort to elevate the NSL’s standing in the soccer world.
