Atlanta Beat Draft Wright And Lenczyk
January 15, 2011 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) - Atlanta Beat News Release
KENNESAW, GA (January 14, 2010 ) â€" The Atlanta Beat opened the 2011 WPS Draft with three picks but traded an unnamed player and the overall No. 3 pick to magicTalk SC/Washington Freedom before selecting Kylie Wright at No. 7 and Megan Lenczyk at No. 14. The trade gives the Beat a first round pick in 2012.
"We felt that our first pick might still be there at No. 7, so we decided to trade," said Beat head coach Galanis.
The Beat selected UCLA midfielder Kylie Wright as the overall No. 7 pick and the Beat's only selection in the first round. Wright started all but three matches in her four years as a Bruin and was named an NSCAA First team All-American in 2009 following Second Team All-America honors in both 2007 and 2008. Wright has international experience with the U-23 U.S. Women's National Team and was the No. 6 women's soccer recruit out of high school.
"She is a strong defensive midfielder and a specialist at winning the ball back," said Galanis. "Not only can she win the ball back, but she also has the ability to effectively maintain possession."
At the overall No. 14 selection, the Beat picked Megan Lenczyk from the University of Virginia. Lenczyk, is a forward who played every match of her UVA career. She started in all 22 matches during her senior season and was named Second team All-ACC and Second Team Soccer Buzz Mid-Atlantic Region in 2008. She finished the 2009 season with a career total of 43 goals for the Cavaliers.
"Megan is fantastic at holding the ball up, linking with the midfield, and scoring goals," said Galanis.
"We are very happy with the results of the draft," continued the coach. "The two players that we wanted are the two players we picked up."
"I think we've got a strong combination of people so far. We are going to be a physical presence in the back and we've got a target forward."
For any interested players who were not selected in the draft, Atlanta Beat tryouts are Jan. 29-30. Tryout information is available at www.theatlantabeat.com.
Season Seats for the Atlanta Beat start as low as $100. Group discounts and flexi-passes are available by calling 678-298-4780. Visit www.theatlantabeat.com for more information.
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Women's Professional Soccer Stories from January 15, 2011
- Atlanta Beat Draft Wright And Lenczyk - Atlanta Beat
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