2015 NWSL Draft Roundup
The 2015 NWSL Draft took place this morning at the Philadelphia Convention Center. The 2015 Draft is as important as it has ever been with major league stars expected to miss almost half the season to play in this summer’s Women’s World Cup.
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There weren’t many surprise selections. The top four selections were basically set long before the draft began. Morgan Brian was always a lock to go first. After that the UCLA trio of Sarah Killion, Abby Dahlkemper, and Sam Mewis were pretty likely to be selected.
The first surprise came at the 5th pick with the Chicago Red Stars selecting Stephanie McCaffrey and then trading the forward to her hometown Boston Breakers for the 9th and 11th draft picks.
The Western New York Flash wants to rebuild. This started with acquiring as many first round picks as possible. Technical Director Charlie Naimo looks to be building a foundation for the future around this youth core that he coached on the defunct W-League team, Los Angeles Blues.
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Chicago also looks to be building a young core with the additions of defender Arin Gilliland, midfielder Danielle Colaprico, and forward Sofia Huerta. This group will be critical during the stretch of the season without Christen Press, Julie Johnston, and other World Cup hopefuls.
Portland managed to make news without having a draft pick today. The Thorns acquired English striker Jodie Taylor, who led the Washington Spirit in goals with 11.
Check out what else happened in Friday’s NWSL draft below.
First Round
1. Houston Dash- Morgan Brian (Virginia)
Nothing shocking about this pick. The midfielder is the most talented player in the draft and will likely be part of the US Women’s National Team this summer at the World Cup.
2. Sky Blue FC- Sarah Killion
Sky Blue coach Jim Gabarra indicated earlier in the week that he would most likely select Killion. The holding midfielder will play a major role this season after the losses of Sophie Schmidt and Ashley Nick in the offseason.
3. Western New York Flash- Abby Dahlkemper (UCLA)
The Flash pick up a pro-ready center back to help out a defense that struggled last season.
4. Western New York Flash- Sam Mewis (UCLA)
The Flash select another former UCLA/LA Blues player. The Hermann Trophy finalist will definitely factor into the Flash’s attack playing the number 10 role.
5. Chicago Red Stars- Stephanie McCaffrey (Boston College) [Traded to Boston Breakers]
Chicago picked, but then traded the recent national team call-up to Boston for the 9th and 11th picks.
6. Western New York Flash- Lynn Williams (Pepperdine)
The Flash picked up another former LA Blues player. The forward is somewhat of a surprise to have been picked this early, however is a promising U-23 US National Team member.
7. Western New York Flash- Jaelene Hinkle (Texas Tech)
The Defender adds to the Flash defense that had their struggles last season. The first round for the Flash could prove to be huge in their chase to get back to the playoffs.
8. Chicago Red Stars- Arin Gilliland (Kentucky)
The Kentucky center back also is a capable forward. Her versatility will be huge during the World Cup when many huge stars will be away.
9. Chicago Red Stars- Danielle Colaprico (Virginia)
The holding midfielder will also add to the Chicago midfield. Her play during the 2014 NCAA Tournament shows the impact she can have on a team.
Second Round
10. Sky Blue FC- Kristin Grubka (Florida State)
11. Chicago Red Stars- Sofia Huerta (Santa Clara)
12. FC Kansas City- Shea Groom (Texas A&M)
13. Washington Spirit- Megan Oyster (UCLA)
14. Boston Breakers- Jamia Fields (Florida State)
15. Seattle Reign- Havana Solaun (Florida)
16. FC Kansas City- Megan Streight (Texas A&M)
17. FC Kansas City- Katelyn Rowland (UCLA)
18. Western New York Flash- Tatiana Coleman (UCF)
3rd Round
19. Washington Spirit- Caprice Dydasco (UCLA)
20. Boston Breakers- Samantha Lofton (James Madison)
21. Western New York Flash- Sabrina D’Angelo (South Carolina)
22. Sky Blue FC- Daphne Corboz ( Georgetown)
23. Chicago Red Stars- Cara Walls (Wisconsin)
24. Boston Breakers- Bianca Brinson (Texas A&M)
25. Sky Blue FC- Shade Pratt (Maryland)
26. FC Kansas City- Jessica Ayers (Colorado College)
27. Chicago Red Stars- Nicole Setterlund (Washington State)
4th Round
28. Sky Blue FC- Chioma Ubogagu (Stanford)
29. Boston Breakers- Stephanie Verdoia (Seattle University)
30. Washington Spirit- Whitney Church (Penn State)
31. Houston Dash- Carleigh Williams (UCF)
32. Chicago Red Stars- Rachel Tejada (Illinois State)
33. Boston Breakers- Bianca Calderone (Northeastern)
34. Sky Blue FC- Lo’eau Labonta (Stanford)
35. FC Kansas City- Kaysie Clark (Missouri)
36. Seattle Reign- Kendall Romine (Stanford)
Let us know what you thought of Friday’s picks below.