Delaney Baie (DB) Pridham, the inaugural Golden Boot recipient and Player of the Year in the Northern Super League (NSL), has prolonged her association with Rapid FC until the conclusion of the 2028 campaign. Aged 28, Pridham has netted 28 goals across the NSL’s initial two seasons and boasts a significant track record with the Canadian national women’s team. Her presence is anticipated on the team roster this autumn as Canada vies for a spot in the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Originally from Saratoga, Calif., Pridham, an alumna of Santa Clara University, has previously plied her trade with IBV in Iceland and Kristianstads DFF and Linköpings FC in Sweden. However, she takes immense pride in representing Ottawa.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Pridham remarked, “Belonging to such a robust club with our new ownership’s vision for the club’s future genuinely excites me. I find great joy here. Ottawa is a splendid city, and our ever-growing fan base is simply remarkable.”
CEO of Rapid FC, Thomas Gilbert, expressed his lack of surprise at Pridham’s decision to remain at the club. “We’ve been in discussions with her regarding this since last year,” Gilbert disclosed. “I firmly believed that given DB’s unwavering dedication and commitment, if we presented an offer commensurate with her worth in the market, she would engage with us.”
The specifics of the contract extension were not disclosed. Pridham is not the sole Canadian talent to have transitioned to Ottawa. Notably, former national team stalwart Carmelina Moscato has been appointed as Ottawa’s head coach for the upcoming season, succeeding Katrine Pederson. Moscato’s coaching experience spans the U.S, Denmark, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. Her recruitment underscores the caliber of talent gravitating towards the NSL, a trend that Gilbert views as a testament to the league’s quality.
Gilbert emphasized, “The league aspires to be among the best globally. The caliber of signings like DB and Carm’s affirms our progress in that direction.” Concerns about player migration from the NSL to other leagues are not alarming to Gilbert or NSL president Christina Litz.
Gilbert explained, “We are proactive in ensuring that the league offers conditions and contract terms that incentivize players to stay.” Litz added, “Player movements are influenced by various factors, including personal preferences and club strategies within the transfer market.”
Pridham disclosed that a conversation with Moscato influenced her decision to extend her tenure with Ottawa FC. “My discussion with Moscato was very positive and encouraging,” Pridham shared. “Learning about her as an individual and a mentor reinforced my commitment to the club.”
The NSL provides players with valuable playing time and exposure that may be limited in higher-tier international clubs, a significant factor for those eyeing national team selection. Recent months have seen the NSL secure top talents like Sabrina D’Angelo and Shelina Zadorsky at AFC Toronto, and Marie-Yasmine (Mimi) Alidou at Montreal Roses, all of whom have represented Canada at the highest levels of women’s soccer globally.
Litz underlined the league’s ambition to become a top-five global league, emphasizing the importance of attracting and retaining premier talent. The NSL’s appeal to Canadian players is heightened by the prospect of playing in their home country, close to family and friends, a factor Litz cited as a major incentive driving player decisions to opt for the NSL despite other opportunities.
