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NWSL Angel City FC

Angel City Football Club Drafts Weatherholt, Emslie, Spencer & Nielsen in the 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft

December 16, 2021 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Angel City FC News Release


LOS ANGELES - Angel City Football Club (ACFC) tonight drafted four players in the 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft Presented by Ally that took place virtually with fellow expansion team San Diego Wave Fútbol Club.

Making picks in the ACFC war room at the team headquarters in Santa Monica, CA, were Sporting Director Eniola Aluko, Head Coach Freya Coombe, Team Co-Founder and President Julie Uhrman, Assistant Coach Rob Udberg, Goalkeeper Coach Daniel Ball, and Director of Scouting and Analytics Kim McCauley.

Representatives from each of ACFC's four supporter groups - Valkyries, Relentless Ladies, Pandemonium, and Rebellion 99 - announced the team's picks live on CBS SportsNet.

2022 NWSL Expansion Draft Picks:

Round One: Dani Weatherholt

In the first round of the draft, ACFC selected midfielder Dani Weatherholt. She joins ACFC from OL Reign. In the 2021 season, Weatherholt appeared in 20 matches with one assist. Weatherholt played collegiate soccer at Santa Clara University, where she totaled 85 games and 10 goals. Weatherholt is from San Clemente, Calif.

"I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to represent this amazing club and for all the work they're doing in the community, how they're investing in the women's game, and the incredible ownership. There are no words. I'm so excited and excited to be coming home. I cannot wait to get started," said Weatherholt.

Round Two: Claire Emslie

In the second round of the draft, ACFC selected forward Claire Emslie. She joins ACFC from Everton FC in the FA Women's Super League, where she played on loan from the Orlando Pride. In her most recent season with Everton, Emslie made seven appearances and secured two goals. Emslie played collegiate soccer at Florida Atlantic University, where she held the second all-time record with 173 career shots. Emslie is from Penicuik, Scotland.

Round Three: Jasmyne Spencer

In the third round of the draft, ACFC selected forward Jasmyne Spencer. She joins ACFC from the Houston Dash. In the 2021 season, Spencer appeared in 18 matches with one goal. Spencer played collegiate soccer at the University of Maryland, where she made the 2009 and 2010 All-ACC First Teams. Spencer is from Bay Shore, New York.

Round Four: Paige Nielsen

In the fourth round of the draft, ACFC selected defender Paige Nielsen. She joins ACFC from 2021 NWSL Champions Washington Spirit, where she played in 19 games with one goal. Nielsen played collegiate soccer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she won an NCAA National Championship in her freshman season. Nielsen is from Lincoln, Nebraska.

"I love Freya as a coach. I love what she did at Gotham, and I love what she's about to do with LA. I think the investor group and the whole organization is something to be excited about. I'm ready," said Nielsen.

2022 NWSL Draft

Ahead of the 2022 NWSL Draft on Saturday, Dec. 18, the Houston Dash agreed to trade the No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft to Angel City FC in exchange for the No. 26 overall pick and $125,000 in allocation money.

Check out the Angel City FC Statistics



National Women's Soccer League Stories from December 16, 2021


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