Havana Solaun

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Havana Solaun

| image = NC Courage vs Houston Dash (Mar 2024) 028.jpg

| caption = Solaun with the Houston Dash in 2024

| fullname = Havana Marguerite Solaun{{Cite web|url=https://www.fotball.no/fotballdata/person/profil/?fiksId=3670721|title=Havana Marguerite Solaun – Profil|publisher=Norges Fotballforbund|language=no}}

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|2|23|df=y}}

| birth_place = Gainesville, Florida, United States{{Cite web|url=https://proudtobeathletic.com/2019/06/07/never-let-fear-deter-you-havana-solaun/|title=Never Let Fear Deter You. – Havana Solaun|publisher=Femletics|first=Zaneta|last=Wyne|date=June 7, 2019|access-date=June 19, 2019|quote=PoB: Gainesville, Florida, United States|archive-date=19 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619165500/https://proudtobeathletic.com/2019/06/07/never-let-fear-deter-you-havana-solaun/|url-status=live}}

| height = 1.75 m

| position = Midfielder

| currentclub =

| clubnumber =

| collegeyears1 = 2011–2014

| college1 = Florida Gators

| collegecaps1 = 90

| collegegoals1 = 30

| years1 = 2015–2016

| clubs1 = Seattle Reign FC

| caps1 = 4

| goals1 = 1

| years2 = 2017–2018

| clubs2 = Washington Spirit

| caps2 = 37

| goals2 = 5

| years3 = 2019

| clubs3 = Klepp IL

| caps3 = 20

| goals3 = 10

| years4 = 2020

| clubs4 = Paris FC

| caps4 = 0

| goals4 = 0

| years5 = 2020

| clubs5 = Apollon Ladies

| caps5 = 0

| goals5 = 0

| years6 = 2020–2022

| clubs6 = North Carolina Courage

| caps6 = 22

| goals6 = 1

| years7 = 2023–2024

| clubs7 = Houston Dash

| caps7 = 14

| goals7 = 1

| totalcaps =

| totalgoals =

| nationalyears1 = 2009–2010

| nationalteam1 = United States U17

| nationalcaps1 = 5

| nationalgoals1 = 3

| nationalyears3 = 2014–2016

| nationalteam3 = United States U23

| nationalcaps3 = 5

| nationalgoals3 = 0

| nationalyears4 = 2019–

| nationalteam4 = Jamaica

| nationalcaps4 = 14

| nationalgoals4 = 2

| medaltemplates =

{{Medal|Country|{{fbw|Jamaica}}}}

| club-update = 02:29, September 16, 2024 (UTC)

| nationalteam-update = 18 June 2019

}}

Havana Marguerite Solaun (born 23 February 1993) is a professional footballer who most recently played as a midfielder for Houston Dash of the American National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Born in the United States, she represents Jamaica at international level.

Solaun began her professional career with the NWSL's Seattle Reign FC in 2015. After two years, she was traded to the Washington Spirit. Solaun is a former United States youth international, most recently at the U23 level.

Early life

Solaun's family moved back to the United States when she was two. She attended Buchholz High School in Gainesville, Florida.{{cite web|title=Havana Solaun|url=http://www.gatorzone.com/soccer/bios.php?year=2014&player_id=86|publisher=University of Florida|access-date=March 15, 2016|archive-date=September 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905145633/http://www.gatorzone.com/soccer/bios.php?year=2014&player_id=86}} From 2008 to 2010, she was named to the All-Area Girls Soccer first-team by The Gainesville Sun.{{cite web|last1=Johnson|first1=Richard|title=Gainesville native and Gators soccer star Havana Solaun|url=http://www.wruf.com/profiles/2013/02/27/gainesville-native-and-gators-soccer-star-havana-solaun/|publisher=ESPN Gainesville|access-date=March 15, 2016|date=February 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405095319/http://www.wruf.com/profiles/2013/02/27/gainesville-native-and-gators-soccer-star-havana-solaun/|archive-date=April 5, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

=University of Florida Gators, 2011–2014=

Solaun attended the University of Florida from 2011 to 2014 where she played soccer for the Florida Gators and was a four-year starting midfielder. Solaun earned All-Southeastern Conference first team honors in 2014 and 2013 and also appeared on the NSCAA All-South Region teams those same seasons.{{cite web|last1=Provenzano|first1=Michelle|title=Gators Women's Soccer Havana Solaun soars to new heights|url=http://www.wruf.com/profiles/2013/04/25/gaors-womens-soccer-havana-solaun-soars-to-new-heights/|publisher=ESPN Gainesville|access-date=March 15, 2016|date=April 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405130604/http://www.wruf.com/profiles/2013/04/25/gaors-womens-soccer-havana-solaun-soars-to-new-heights/|archive-date=April 5, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|title=Shine in the Moment: Florida's Havana Solaun|url=http://www.secsports.com/article/11134726/florida-havana-solaun|publisher=SEC Sports|access-date=March 15, 2016|date=June 27, 2014}} As a senior in 2014, Solaun registered collegiate best totals for goals(9), assists (9) and points (27) to finish second among the Gators in each category.{{cite web|last1=Harvin|first1=Jim|title=Solaun's return to lineup keys No. 8 Florida's fast start|url=http://www.gainesville.com/article/20140905/ARTICLES/140909780|publisher=Gainesville Sun|access-date=March 15, 2016|date=September 5, 2014|archive-date=3 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403020758/http://www.gainesville.com/article/20140905/ARTICLES/140909780|url-status=dead}}

Club career

=Seattle Reign FC, 2015–2016=

Solaun was selected 15th overall by Seattle Reign FC during the 2015 NWSL College Draft.{{cite web|last1=Pentz|first1=Matt|title=Reign FC picks up pair of players, Seattle U.'s Verdoia goes to Boston in NWSL Draft|url=http://blogs.seattletimes.com/soundersfc/2015/01/16/reign-fc-picks-up-pair-of-players-seattle-u-s-verdoia-goes-to-boston-in-nwsl-draft/|publisher=Seattle Times|access-date=March 15, 2016|date=January 15, 2015|archive-date=30 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330072634/http://blogs.seattletimes.com/soundersfc/2015/01/16/reign-fc-picks-up-pair-of-players-seattle-u-s-verdoia-goes-to-boston-in-nwsl-draft/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=NWSL Draft: Reign Select Florida's Havana Solaun|url=http://www.sounderatheart.com/seattle-reign/2015/1/16/7557611/nwsl-draft-seattle-reign-florida-havana-solaun|publisher=Sounder at Heart|access-date=March 15, 2016|date=January 16, 2015|archive-date=14 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814105549/https://www.sounderatheart.com/seattle-reign/2015/1/16/7557611/nwsl-draft-seattle-reign-florida-havana-solaun|url-status=dead}} After signing with the team a few months later, Seattle Reign FC head coach Laura Harvey said, "Havana is a young, talented player who is very good on the ball. The most important thing for us is she is also very comfortable in possession, whether under pressure or not, she can keep control of the ball and move it in the way that we want her to."{{cite web|title=Reign FC Sign Second Round Draft Pick Havana Solaun|url=https://medium.com/@ReignFC/reign-fc-sign-second-round-draft-pick-havana-solaun-85cc9418e9f7#.2l5c3ycw2|publisher=Seattle Reign|access-date=March 15, 2016|date=April 3, 2015|archive-date=3 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403231214/https://medium.com/@ReignFC/reign-fc-sign-second-round-draft-pick-havana-solaun-85cc9418e9f7#.2l5c3ycw2|url-status=live}} Solaun made her debut for the Reign during 2–0 win over the University of Washington during preseason play but sat out the season after suffering an injury.{{cite web|title=Reign's Havana Solaun Called Up To U23 WNT Camp|url=http://www.sounderatheart.com/seattle-reign/2016/1/14/10772796/reigns-havana-solaun-called-up-to-u23-wnt-camp|publisher=Sounder at Heart|access-date=March 15, 2016|date=January 24, 2016|archive-date=14 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814105549/https://www.sounderatheart.com/seattle-reign/2016/1/14/10772796/reigns-havana-solaun-called-up-to-u23-wnt-camp|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last1=Harvin|first1=Jim|title=Solaun builds on experience abroad|url=http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20130821/ARTICLES/130829958|publisher=The Gainesville Sun|access-date=March 15, 2016|date=August 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404033758/http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20130821/ARTICLES/130829958|archive-date=April 4, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} During the team's first 2016 pre-season match against the Portland Thorns, Solaun scored the game-winning goal in the 75th minute helping the Reign win 2–0.{{cite web|last1=Blue|first1=Molly|title=Portland Thorns lose 2–0 to Seattle Reign FC in preseason match at Providence Park|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/portland-thorns/2016/03/portland_thorns_lose_2-0_to_se.html#incart_river_index|publisher=The Oregonian|access-date=March 28, 2016|date=March 27, 2016}} She made her debut for the club during its season opener against Sky Blue FC on April 17.{{cite web|last1=Lee|first1=Allison|title=Sky Blue FC opens 2016 with 2–1 upset of Seattle Reign|url=http://www.onceametro.com/2016/4/18/11450434/sky-blue-fc-stuns-reign-with-2-1-upset|publisher=Once a Metro|access-date=April 18, 2016|date=April 17, 2016|archive-date=19 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419115600/http://www.onceametro.com/2016/4/18/11450434/sky-blue-fc-stuns-reign-with-2-1-upset|url-status=live}} She scored her first goal during a match against the Houston Dash leading the Reign to a 1–0 win.{{cite web|title=Havana Solaun's goal lifts Reign, but work remains|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/reign/havana-solauns-goal-lifts-reign-but-work-remains/|publisher=The Seattle Times|access-date=June 13, 2016|date=June 12, 2016|archive-date=16 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616022235/http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/reign/havana-solauns-goal-lifts-reign-but-work-remains/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Reign FC Shout Out Dash in 1–0 Win|url=http://nwslsoccer.com/reign-fc-shut-out-dash-in-1-0-win|publisher=National Women's Soccer League|access-date=June 13, 2016|date=June 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911085600/http://nwslsoccer.com/reign-fc-shut-out-dash-in-1-0-win|archive-date=September 11, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

File:Carsonpickett havanasolaun.png, 2016.]]

=Washington Spirit, 2017–2018 =

Solaun's player rights were traded to the Washington Spirit in November 2016 in exchange for Spirit players Christine Nairn and Madalyn Schiffel. She signed with the team in December.{{cite web|title=Washington Spirit Signs Midfielder Havana Solaun|url=http://washingtonspirit.com/pro/washington-spirit-signs-midfielder-havana-solaun/|publisher=Washington Spirit|access-date=4 June 2017|date=December 21, 2016}} Solaun would become a regular starter for the Spirit, earning 24 appearances and scoring 5 goals during her first season.

=Klepp IL, 2019=

Despite a new contract offer from Washington Spirit, Solaun elected to join Norwegian club Klepp IL on a free transfer for 2019.{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=Jason |title=Washington Spirit news round-up: Megan Crosson in, several players out |url=https://www.blackandredunited.com/washington-spirit-womens-soccer/2019/1/17/18127968/washington-spirit-megan-crosson-rebecca-quinn-whitney-church-havana-solaun-estefania-banini |access-date=18 January 2019 |publisher=Black and Red United |date=17 January 2019 |archive-date=19 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119121706/https://www.blackandredunited.com/washington-spirit-womens-soccer/2019/1/17/18127968/washington-spirit-megan-crosson-rebecca-quinn-whitney-church-havana-solaun-estefania-banini |url-status=live }}

=Paris FC, 2020=

On January 12, D1 Féminine team Paris FC announced they had signed Solaun.

=Apollon Ladies, 2020=

Unable to appear for Paris FC due to the coronavirus pandemic, Solaun signed for Cypriot club Apollon Ladies for their UEFA Women's Champions League campaign.{{cite news |last1=Cowan |first1=Sherdon |title=Reggae Girl Solaun finds new home with Apollon Ladies in Cyprus |url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sports/reggae-girl-solaun-finds-new-home-with-apollon-ladies-in-cyprus_202737 |access-date=30 September 2020 |publisher=Jamaica Observer |date=13 September 2020 |archive-date=18 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918133722/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sports/reggae-girl-solaun-finds-new-home-with-apollon-ladies-in-cyprus_202737 |url-status=live }}

=North Carolina Courage, 2020–2022=

Solaun signed a short-term contract to play for North Carolina Courage during the 2020 NWSL Fall Series.{{cite news |last1=Birkedal |first1=Morgan |title=NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE SIGN JAMAICAN MIDFIELDER HAVANA SOLAUN |url=https://www.nccourage.com/news_article/show/1125333 |access-date=30 September 2020 |publisher=North Carolina Courage |date=30 September 2020 |archive-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111094337/https://www.nccourage.com/news_article/show/1125333 |url-status=dead }} In January 2021, she signed a one-year contract with a one-year option for the team.{{cite news |title=Rylee Baisden and Havana Solaun Ink Contracts Following Stellar Fall Series Performances |url=https://www.nccourage.com/news_article/show/1139347 |publisher=North Carolina Courage |date=5 January 2021 |access-date=7 January 2021 |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207051733/https://www.nccourage.com/news_article/show/1139347 |url-status=dead }} In September 2022, the club bought out the remainder of her contract and released her to free agency.{{cite web|url=https://www.nccourage.com/news/courage-executes-contract-buyout-of-midfielder-havana-solaun/|title=Courage Executes Contract Buyout of Midfielder Havana Solaun|publisher=North Carolina Courage|date=3 September 2022|access-date=22 January 2023|archive-date=9 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009100150/https://www.nccourage.com/news/courage-executes-contract-buyout-of-midfielder-havana-solaun/|url-status=live}}

=Houston Dash, 2023–=

In January 2023, Solaun joined Houston Dash on a two-year contract.{{cite news|url=https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/sports/20230114/reggae-girl-solaun-joins-houston-dash|title=Reggae Girl Solaun joins Houston Dash|newspaper=The Gleaner|date=14 January 2023|archive-date=22 January 2023|access-date=22 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122172501/https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/sports/20230114/reggae-girl-solaun-joins-houston-dash|url-status=live}}

International career

File:Havana Solaun.jpg

Solaun was born in Gainesville, Florida to an Afro-Cuban father (Felix Solaun,{{Cite web|url=https://www.gainesville.com/article/LK/20100505/News/604149286/GS/|title=A to Z: Sierra Solaun|publisher=Gainesville Sun (Gainesville, Florida)|access-date=25 May 2019|archive-date=25 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525021051/https://www.gainesville.com/article/LK/20100505/News/604149286/GS/|url-status=dead}} born in the United States shortly after his parents Félix Solaun and Hilda Luis moved from their native Havana){{Cite web|url=https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jacksonville-fl/felix-solaun-7976133|title=Felix Manuel Solaun Obituary – Jacksonville, FL|publisher=Dignity Memorial}} and a Jamaican mother (Sandra Brower,{{Cite web|url=https://fgcuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2085|title=Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles Athletics – Zhoe Solaun – 2012–13|publisher=Florida Gulf Coast University}} formerly Solaun, {{nee}} Phillips), Solaun was originally eligible to play for the national teams of the United States, Cuba or Jamaica.

=Youth national teams=

Solaun represented the United States on the under-17 (2010 CONCACAF Women's U-17 Championship), under-20 and under-23 national teams.{{cite web|title=U-23 WNT Set to Travel to Croatia for Istria Cup|url=http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2016/02/16/20/10/160216-u23wnt-will-travel-to-croatia-for-istria-cup|publisher=United States Soccer Federation|access-date=March 15, 2016|date=February 16, 2016|archive-date=24 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324134825/http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2016/02/16/20/10/160216-u23wnt-will-travel-to-croatia-for-istria-cup|url-status=live}} As Solaun had previously lived in Canada (also in Singapore),{{Cite web|url=https://canadasoccer.com/?pid=4644&t=profile&|title=Havana Solaun (USA)|date=21 November 2019 |publisher=Canada Soccer}} she participated in a centralized camp of the Canadian national team in February 2015.{{cite web|title=[2015-02] Centralised Development Program|url=http://www.canadasoccer.com/?t=project&sid=1075&language=en|publisher=Canada Soccer|access-date=June 18, 2016|archive-date=13 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813012309/http://www.canadasoccer.com/?t=project&sid=1075&language=en|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Determined: Solaun moving past ACL tear, making impact for Gators|url=http://www.alligator.org/sports/volleyball/article_6635b71c-5b40-11e4-95ba-43167a7475bf.html|publisher=The Independent Florida Alligator|access-date=June 18, 2016|date=October 24, 2014}}

=Jamaica senior national team=

Following the historic FIFA Women's World Cup qualification by the Jamaica women's national football team, Solaun was named to its training camp roster in January 2019.{{cite web |title=Reggae Girlz Training Squad |url=https://www.facebook.com/jfffootball/photos/a.167725006624642/2208919339171855/ |website=Facebook |publisher=Jamaica Football Federation |access-date=18 January 2019}} She made her debut on March 3 that year in a 3–2 friendly win against Chile.{{Cite web|url=http://jamaica-star.com/article/sports/20190524/solaun-completes-reggae-girlz-squad|title=Solaun completes Reggae Girlz squad|website=jamaica-star.com|date=24 May 2019 |language=en|access-date=2019-06-18}}

On June 18, 2019, Solaun scored Jamaica's first-ever goal in a FIFA Women's World Cup shortly after coming on as a second-half substitute against Australia.{{Citation|title=JAMAICA SCORE THEIR FIRST EVER FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP™ GOAL {{!}} HIGHLIGHTS|url=https://www.foxsports.com/watch/1544512579516|language=en|access-date=2021-07-11|archive-date=11 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711124854/https://www.foxsports.com/watch/1544512579516|url-status=live}}

=International goals=

Scores and results list Jamaica's goal tally first

No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
class="wikitable"
{{center\|1}}	18 June 2019	Stade des Alpes, Grenoble, France	{{fbw\|AUS}}	{{center\|1–2}}	{{center\|1–4}}	2019 FIFA Women's World Cup
{{center\|2}}	4 February 2020	H-E-B Park, Edinburg, United States	{{fbw\|SKN}}	{{center\|3–0}}	{{center\|7–0}}	2020 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Championship

Personal life

Solaun's first name, Havana, is a tribute to her paternal grandparents' birthplace.{{Cite web|url=https://thereadersbureau.com/havana-gets-fifas-nod-to-play-for-jamaicas-reggae-girlz/|publisher=The Readers Bureau|title=Havana Gets FIFA's Nod To Play For Jamaica's Reggae Girlz|date=May 29, 2019|access-date=June 21, 2019|archive-date=12 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812115949/https://thereadersbureau.com/havana-gets-fifas-nod-to-play-for-jamaicas-reggae-girlz/|url-status=live}}

References

External links

{{commons category-inline}}
{{sports links}}
[https://web.archive.org/web/20190608143445/https://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/players/player/420509/ Player profile] at 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup
[http://washingtonspirit.com/persons/havana-solaun/ Washington Spirit player profile]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20150905145633/http://www.gatorzone.com/soccer/bios.php?year=2014&player_id=86 Florida Gators player profile (archived)]

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Category:1993 births

Category:Living people

Category:Jamaican women's footballers

Category:21st-century Jamaican sportswomen

Category:Jamaica women's international footballers