So let me rate the draft 1 Seattle filled needs & got some good potential players 2 SkyBlue McCaskell, Leon and picks down the road 3 NCC King & Chapman help defense 4 Portland filled depth needs 5 Utah If Smith works out 6 Washington Lavelle 7 Chicago most of what they got is already covered 8 Orlando sat out draft but at least the didn't embarrass themselves. 9 Houston only way this works out is if Press throws up her arms and heads to PSG and then it didn't work out either.
It took a year and a coaching change. Washington has very talented young players, but they are still young. Most of them haven't been through the grind of the professional season, which is going to be a huge learning curve.
Agree completely. Best thing is it gives their fans hope of what's to come. Sometimes its as much fun watching them grow as it is when they get there.
Assuming of course that they can keep that core together with possible expansion looming. The thing that kind of worries me is that yes, they have a wealth of young talent, but most of it is in the midfield. It doesn't seem very balanced.
This was a sentimental, ceremonious pick. Whitney Engen was the #1 pick for the Red Stars in 2010 and was very good, playing her heart out for Chicago. She became a fan favorite and IMO probably one of Arnim's favorite Red Stars of all time. Arnim did this so that she can retire a Red Star. I say good for you, Arnim! I for one as a season ticket holder was a big Whitney Engen fan. I as well doubt she will play as she is in Law School, but it would be nice to see her at a game and we can honor her.
True, however, I think the Spirit have a much higher ceiling, at this point. Also, Pugh and Lavelle have a year of pro experience under their belt.
If there is an expansion draft next year, at least the Spirit will know which midfielders they will want vs who they can afford to give away.
Speaking of expansion draft, when one think in those terms it makes the Orlando choice not to pick any players even more puzzling. Why not carry the extra players for one year to ensure your core players remain in tact in case of expansion?
The dispersal draft list all in one place: https://www.thebentmusket.com/2018/1/30/16949204/boston-breakers-players-nwsl-dispersal-draft And Keeper Notes' updated rosters
The best thing the NCAA and US youth soccer does is produce forwards. It's the one position that is deep in every draft. Expansion is a bigger problem.
The teams that got a bargain were: North Carolina, Chapman, drafted No. 10. A sure-fire starter at fullback. . Sky Blue, Leon, drafted no. 18. She was probably Boston's best player last year, and she is young, about 25. Maybe not an immediate starter, but she may not have reached her full potential. . Portland, Salem, drafted No. 15. An old pro, Maybe a starter, maybe not, but a tough and dependable defensive midfielder.