Breaking Down the 2015 NWSL Draft
Dec 7, 2014; Boca Raton, FL, USA; Florida State midfielder Dagny Brynjarsdottir (7) and defender Kristin Grubka (13) hold the national championship trophy after Florida State defeated Virginia 1-0 in the 2014 NCAA Women
2015 NWSL Draft Second Round
If it was odd to see Kristin Grubka (FSU) not taken until the second, it was no shock at all to see her be the first name to fly off the board for Sky Blue at the #10 spot. Grubka is definitely one of the better, if not best, defenders in this draft. The 2014 ACC Defender of the Year and College Cup champion is excellent on set pieces, and at dispossessing opponents, whether on the ground or in the air.
The Red Stars did not disappoint on the latter end of the trade with Boston, taking coveted former Mexican national Sofia Huerta (Santa Clara) at the eleventh spot, who has recently opted out of Mexico’s program to try to break into the USWNT. Huerta had over half of Santa Clara’s goals last season, and is a crafty scorer who might draw comparisons to Sydney Leroux. She is a little less dogged in front of goal than the one-time Canadian forward, but she’s got great finishing skills and an eye for the back of the net.
Kansas City had the twelfth, sixteenth, and seventeenth picks, and got a forward, a defender, and the best keeper in the draft for their efforts. Shea Groom (Texas A&M) is versatile enough to play up top or in the midfield, and at one point played under FCKC assistant Huw Williams. The 2014 SEC Offensive Player of the Year will be joining an intelligent and stacked Kansas City midfield, but she’s a smart scorer who isn’t deterred by defenders in her face, and should connect well with her teammates. Megan Streight (Texas A&M) is a bit undersized as a defender, but was a four-year started on the Aggie back line, and has shown clear progress in her defensive decision-making. Look for Vlatko to continue this development in the one-time defensive midfielder.
Kathleen Rowland (UCLA) is a technically gifted and highly dependable shot-stopper who is currently sitting on the NCAA single season and career shutout records, and even had a couple of assists last season. Her drafting lends some credence to the idea that the Blues’ starting keeper, USWNT veteran Nicole Barnhart, might be gone for the World Cup as the third backup behind Hope Solo and (most likely) Ashlyn Harris. Kansas City is another team whose draft moves have already proven impressive: let’s not forget 2013 Rookie of the Year Erika Tymrak and standout midfielder Jenna Richmond were both second-round picks.
"“I couldn’t believe it when I heard it, it is a dream come true. FC Kansas City had a great season last year and I just want to get started already.” (Kathleen Rowland)"
Houston originally had the thirteenth pick, but traded it to Portland, along with a 2016 second-round pick for Jess McDonald. Then, about two rounds earlier than expected, Washington got in on the action. Mark Parsons traded leading scorer and English international Jodie Taylor to Portland for the #13 spot and two 2016 second-round picks (including the one they’d just acquired from Houston). With that pick, Megan Oyster (UCLA) joined the Spirit, a dangerous 1v1 CB who was assisted on the game-winning goal in the Bruins’ 2013 College Cup win.
One of my favorite players this past season, Jamia Fields (FSU), went to Boston at #14. It was a little surprising to see her go so early in the draft, but she’s an underrated playmaker whose speed just blisters defenders. That offensive triangle with Brynjarsdóttir and junior Cheyna Williams was a delight to watch, and she’s a downright pest in the box, easily out-muscling most defenders with her relentlessness. She was amazing in 2014’s College Cup, and scored the game-winner that gave the Seminoles their first title.
Seattle’s first action was to take Havana Solaun (Florida), a versatile offensive player who came back for a fantastic senior campaign after rehabbing a torn ACL suffered at the end of her junior season. These last two years, the creative playmaker was all-SEC, and her leadership and work ethic suggests that she won’t need much time to adjust to professional football.
Finally, Tatiana Coleman (UCF) went to Western New York with the last pick of the second round. She’s got great pace that’s reminiscent of the aforementioned FSU junior Cheyna Williams, and scored an average of 10 goals at season at Auburn and at Central Florida, where she transferred after her sophomore season. Coleman is a strong, physical forward, who holds the ball well against defenders and is highly determined in front of goal.
"“Everything pretty much went to plan today. These are young, dynamic players that have huge potential. We haven’t seen a draft this good in the history of the Western New York Flash.” (Western New York Flash head coach Aaron Lines)"
End of the round notes: It was odd to see Stanford’s top seniors Chioma Ubogagu or Lo’eau LaBonta stay available past the first two rounds. It’s also unclear why Whitney Church hadn’t been snapped up by someone. Also, if you’re counting, that’s five UCLA Bruins that have gone in the draft so far, and there are only six eligible.
Next: NWSL Draft T Round