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NWSL Chicago Stars FC

Chicago Gains Three In 2017 NWSL College Draft

January 12, 2017 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Chicago Stars FC News Release


CHICAGO - The Red Stars have added a great amount of depth to their roster with three solid draft picks in the 2017 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) College Draft, selecting Brigham Young University forward Michele Vasconcelos, Marquette defender Morgan Proffitt and UCLA midfielder Lauren Kaskie.

Chicago entered the day with five picks, but ended the day with three picks after strong strategic draft-day trades that will benefit the club in the 2018 NWSL College Draft. The Red Stars gained the 11th overall pick in the draft from Boston in exchange for the Red Stars 2018 second-round draft pick and an international slot for the 2018 season. Later in the same round, Chicago traded their 16^th overall pick to Seattle and in return the Red Stars received Seattle's first-round pick in the 2018 NWSL College Draft. Finally, Portland took the Red Stars' 21^st overall pick, leaving Chicago with the Thorns' second and third round picks in 2018.

Here's the talent Chicago acquired in the 2017 NWSL College Draft:

Michele Vasconcelos (Round 2, Pick 1) Brigham Young University (BYU) Sandy, Utah 5-5 Midfielder/Forward

The Red Stars' first selection came with the 11th overall pick, acquiring an attacking force with Michele Vasconcelos. A standout player from BYU, Vasconcelos finished her collegiate career being named WCC Player of the Year. During four seasons at BYU, she scored 33 goals, 30 assists and totaled 6,357 minutes, while being named to the All-WCC Team all four years.

"I am honored to have been chosen by the Chicago Red Stars," said Vasconcelos. "I always hoped I would be able to play professional soccer one day and it is surreal that the day has finally come. I am excited to join the team of extremely talented players and am grateful to have been given this opportunity by the club. My husband and I are excited to move to Chicago!"

Morgan Proffitt (Round 2, Pick 2) Marquette University Columbus, Indiana 5-10 Defender/Midfielder

Rory Dames sticks to a highly touted Midwest talent with Morgan Proffitt of Marquette University. The 2016 BIG EAST Conference Defensive Player of the Year finished her collegiate career with 85 appearances, 10 goals, three assists and was named to the All-BIG EAST teams in her final three seasons.

Proffitt received a call-up to the U-23 U.S. Women's National Team this past summer, competing in the Nordic Tournament, gaining invaluable international experience at the highest level.

"I feel like it's a dream come true," said Proffitt of joining Chicago. "I spent the last two summers in Chicago on the Reserves team so it kind of feels like home away from home."

Lauren Kaskie (Round 4, Pick 9) University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Las Vegas, Nevada 5-5 Midfielder

With 91 appearances at powerhouse UCLA, Lauren Kaskie might be one of the best utility players on the board in the draft class. A big part of the UCLA women's soccer program during her four years, including their run to becoming the NCAA National Champions in 2013, Kaskie will bring a wealth of soccer knowledge to Chicago.

The Chicago Red Stars kickoff the 2017 NWSL season in the spring. Season tickets and flex packs are currently on sale here (http://chicagoredstars.com/2017-season-tickets/) or can be ordered through a ticket representative at 773.697.8699.

Chicago Red Stars, founded in 2007, are one of ten professional teams in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and one of the longest tenured clubs in North American women's soccer. The back-to-back NWSL Playoff club boasts some of the most elite players in the world, including stars from the 2015 Women's World Cup Championship team. For more information on the Red Stars and to purchase tickets, please visit the team's official website. www.chicagoredstars.com

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