Thorns FC Announce List of Protected Players for NWSL Expansion Draft

October 26, 2015 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release

PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Thorns FC today announced its list of protected and unprotected players ahead of the National Women's Soccer League Expansion Draft on Monday, Nov. 2, at 9 a.m. (Pacific). Beginning play in 2016 as the 10th club to join the NWSL, the Orlando Pride will be able to select up to 10 players from the expansion draft list of unprotected players.

Due to Portland not qualifying for the NWSL Playoffs, the club was allowed to protect 10 players in the Expansion Draft. Playoff teams were able to protect nine players. Each team may protect up to two U.S. allocated players. Any additional U.S. allocated players on a team's roster must be left unprotected. The Pride will be allowed to select no more than two U.S. allocated players. Orlando will only be able to select up to two players from any one club, except if they select a U.S. allocated player in which case they may not take any additional player from the club.

A complete list of Expansion Draft rules can be found at www.NWSLsoccer.com.

Below is the list of Portland's protected and unprotected players:

Protected:

Michelle Betos

Dagny Brynjarsdottir

Steph Catley

Tobin Heath

Kendall Johnson

Allie Long

Emily Menges

Christine Sinclair

Jodie Taylor

Kat Williamson

Unprotected:

Alyssa Kleiner

Clare Polkinghorne

Lianne Sanderson

Mana Shim

Rhian Wilkinson

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from October 26, 2015

• Washington Spirit Announces Protected/Unprotected List Ahead of Expansion Draft - Washington Spirit
• Sky Blue FC Announces Protected/Unprotected Lists Ahead of Expansion Draft - Sky Blue FC
• Houston Dash Announce Protected Player List for 2015 Expansion Draft - Houston Dash
• Flash Announce Protected and Unprotected Lists for 2015 Expansion Draft - Western New York Flash
• Red Stars Announce Protected & Unprotected Players Ahead of 2015 Expansion Draft - Chicago Red Stars
• NWSL Announces Protected and Unprotected Players Ahead of the 2015 Expansion Draft - NWSL
• Thorns FC Announce List of Protected Players for NWSL Expansion Draft - Portland Thorns FC
• Boston Breakers Announce List of Protected Players for 2015 NWSL Expansion Draft - Boston Breakers
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