Atlanta Beat Draft Wright And Lenczyk
January 15, 2011 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Atlanta Beat News Release
KENNESAW, GA (January 14, 2010 ) ¬" 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.
¬ÅWe felt that our first pick might still be there at No. 7, so we decided to trade, ¬Â said Beat head coach Galanis.
The Beat selected UCLA midfielder Kylie Wright as the overall No. 7 pick and the Beat ¬â¢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 ¬â¢s National Team and was the No. 6 women ¬â¢s soccer recruit out of high school.
¬ÅShe is a strong defensive midfielder and a specialist at winning the ball back, ¬Â said Galanis. ¬ÅNot only can she win the ball back, but she also has the ability to effectively maintain possession. ¬Â
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.
¬ÅMegan is fantastic at holding the ball up, linking with the midfield, and scoring goals, ¬Â said Galanis.
¬ÅWe are very happy with the results of the draft, ¬Â continued the coach. ¬ÅThe two players that we wanted are the two players we picked up. ¬Â
¬ÅI think we ¬â¢ve got a strong combination of people so far. We are going to be a physical presence in the back and we ¬â¢ve got a target forward. ¬Â
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.
Women's Professional Soccer Stories from January 15, 2011
- Atlanta Beat Draft Wright And Lenczyk - Atlanta Beat
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