Round 4 Recap: Sky Blue - Kaylan Marckese Sky Blue - Kenie Wright Orlando - Marisa Viggiano Chicago - April Bockin Utah - Alex Kimball Chicago - Hannah Davison Sky Blue - Sabrina Flores Chicago - Jenna Szczesny North Carolina - Kaycie Tillman
Sky Blue better treat my girl well, I'm only rooting for New Jersey if they improve player living conditions and adequate training
Just got back home from the Coaches Convention and NWSL Draft. Folks, for soccer lovers and especial of the women's game, this was AWESOME! First I met Red Stars supporters at a trendy restaurant nearby. Than after breakfast we all walked a couple blocks to the McCormick Place where the soccer coaches convention was being held. Man, I didn't realize how big this event was. I tried to see, walk around, socialize as much as I could. Looked like you needed a badge to get into many of the events, but I tried to absorb as much as possible There were so many soccer people everywhere. The NWSL draft was very cool. Lots of Red Stars fans showed up and we made some noise when the #1 draft pick was announced. Yes! I got to talk to some people and even people I haven't seen in a while. Lots of walking around and maneuvering in between picks. Seems like coaches trying to make deals if possible. Vlatko was there, but he made no picks, Obviously Rory, King of the Draft made his usual deals and some good picks. However CeCe Kizer was one I wanted and I believe they did as well but she went one pick in front. Evaluate yourselves the picks, but all-in-all, a good day to be a soccer fan in Chicago.
Sky Blue used the No. 2 overall pick today on Hallie Mace. But @TheDanLauletta has learned that Mace has no intention of reporting to the team and would prefer a trade. GM Tony Novo told reporters he believes the UCLA defender will sign with the team🔒https://t.co/LGj0xqdUcF pic.twitter.com/LrpEuEu4xB— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) January 10, 2019
If Sky Blue doesn't get Mace and Ashley to play for them it's adios, amigos. Sky Blue was a little bit better than its record last year --- better perhaps than Washington -- but K. Johnson and Shea Groom are gone now, and others may be bailing out. The league and the team need to make Ashley and Mace an offer they can't refuse -- or say goodbye to the franchise.
I'm pretty sure that's why Mace didn't show up, she knew that's where she was headed and didn't want to go anywhere near the Sky Blue brand.
SkyBlue management is looking like they have done nothing to improve from last year. The fact that they didn't even know their top 2 picks seem to want to go anywhere but to Sky Blue is just more of the same.
This is some of the CRS supporters just before the event started. CHICAGO LOCAL 134 IN THE HOUSE #MKOT #NWSLdraft pic.twitter.com/xSrRZrvpag— Chicago Local 134 (@ChicagoLocal134) January 10, 2019
I'm not a fan of the NWSL but am curious about what opportunities, if any, there are for those that were not drafted. Are they able to "tryout" for a team or be something like a free agent? I understand that some may play in Europe or elsewhere but I'm primarily curious about those wanting to play in the NWSL. I'm asking because I know someone that was eligible for the draft but didn't get drafted. Before I next see her dad and talk to him I would like some background info.
All teams should have open tryouts, yes. So if there's a team she really wants to be on and/or a team she thinks she has a good shot at making, that's the route she would go.
Yes. Many players who were not drafted yesterday may be called by teams to come out to tryouts or pre-season training. There are only four rounds with only 9 teams in the league so many potential players may get "skipped". I know the Red Stars will have Open Tryouts.