Rylee Foster-Inman is headed across the pond in a historic transfer for the Northern Super League (NSL). “It’s exciting. I think it’s a little bit of an idea or impression of where our league is at,” said Amit Batra, sporting director with the Halifax Tides. “It exceeds expectations, so I don’t think it’s just about the Halifax Tides. I think this puts the league even more so on the global map. And I think that when other such transfers and moves have happened across the league with NWSL or WSL, it has helped us all. “I think it just raises the profile for sure for the Halifax Tides and for the league as well.” Foster-Inman started the season for the Tides as reigning goaltender of the year in the NSL. Anika Tóth was sidelined due to injury. She played 11 matches, allowing only 10 goals with 26 saves. “We are very confident in all of our goalkeepers. Obviously, Rylee was a big part. It was a very open competition, as it turned out, with Anika’s injuries, Rylee ended up playing the bulk of the games,” said Batra. “She has a really strong defensive line in front of her, but her leadership, distribution, professionalism, all were things that were added to our environment and so excited for her to go there. Certainly, will miss her but also feel very comfortable with the team that we have in the coaching staff that we have that led us to this defensive record so far.” The Tides currently have the best defensive record in the league with 14 goals against and sit in fourth place heading into week 17. “Rylee has been an important part of the 2026 season, and we’re excited to see her begin this next chapter with Everton,” said Ruth Fahy, vice president of football for the Halifax Tides, in a news release. “This transfer is a reflection of Rylee’s quality and of the caliber of players competing in the NSL. As the first transfer from the NSL to the WSL, it reinforces the strength of our league and the opportunities that exist for players within the global game. We’re proud to have been part of Rylee’s journey and look forward to following her continued success.” “When the opportunity to return home and play in Canada came up, I couldn’t ignore it. Being able to represent the Tides has been so special. Football as a Tides player meant more than just playing a game to me; it meant trailblazing, inspiring, and driving a force for change in our country,” said Foster-Inman in the release. “Although my stay has been shorter than expected, I am tremendously honoured to have been part of this season. Halifax will always be considered a home for us. This is what the NSL is, what it can be, and will be.” With the gap in the lineup, the Tides are adding goalkeeper Kirstin Tynan on a short-term loan from Vancouver Rise FC. “Mark Haines, our goalkeeper coach, who was very instrumental in Anika’s development last year and also now Rylee happens to have kept an eye on Kirsten Tynan this whole time,” said Batra. “She actually was in Halifax before there was any teams, when it was just the idea of the Halifax Tides. We actually had her at my first combine in November of 2024, so she’s actually familiar with her environment with the club to some extent. “I believe I coached against her at U Sport, so we’re very familiar. I think she knows players on our team, and I think the adjustment, just with the culture we have and the familiarity with our coaching staff and even with myself, I think that’s going to help quite a bit.’ Tynan will join Samantha St. Croix and Tóth, who broke out in the league’s inaugural season after stepping into the starting role for the Tides in place of an injured Erin McLeod. Batra said the trades are all about networking. “We actually even played Everton in our pre-season. Kirsten trained at Everton when she was in university. It’s crazy how small the global world of football is. And with technology, a WhatsApp call, a Zoom call and in this case, the right fit for Rylee, a good transfer deal for us made that make sense.” The organization also said in the release that they thank Rylee for her commitment and contributions during the club’s sophomore season and wish her every success in this next chapter with Everton FC. As of the future of the Tides under the leadership of interim head coach Katie Barott, Batra is happy with the season to this point. “The team is performing really well. We had an opportunity to really work on the roster this year and they’ve showed such incredible resilience. They don’t flinch. And that is a testament to the coaching staff and Katie taking over and the support she’s had I think from within the organization, but also the coaches Sophie and Mark that are working closely with her,” he said. “So for them to pull out of the League draw, and cup loss against Ottawa, turnaround in the heat in three days and then beat Montreal on their home ground. I think that tells you everything you need to know about the Halifax Tides, their ambition and the character of the club right now.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
