Former Washington Freedom and FC Gold Pride keeper Meagan McCray has signed for Valur of Iceland’s top-flight league Úrvalsdeild. The 23-year-old McCray, who played four years at Santa Clara University, joins a Valur team that finished as champions of the Úrvalsdeild the past five years. McCray will play for coach Gunnar Borgþórsson.
“I’m very excited to be playing for Valur, the top team in Reykjavick, Iceland,” McCray said. “I’ve always wanted the opportunity to play professionally overseas and gain experience as a starting goalkeeper. It’s the club’s 100th anniversary this year, so it’s a big deal, and I’m thrilled to be part of it. Based on Valur’s recent seasons, they’ve been able to play in the Women’s Champions League versus the top teams across Europe. I know it will be a great experience in a beautiful country.”
McCray, who ranks third all-time at Santa Clara in saves (229) and sixth all-time in shutouts (18), has played for the U.S. U-16, U-17, U-19, and U-23 National teams. McCray leaves for Iceland next month. In early April, Valur will head to Oliva Nova in Spain for a week’s worth of training. The 2011 Úrvalsdeild season begins May 17.