Flash Acquire Adriana Leon, Abby Erceg and Ninth Overall Pick in 2016 NWSL Draft
November 10, 2015 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
ELMA, N.Y. (Tuesday, November 10, 2015) - The Western New York Flash has acquired forward Adriana Leon, defender Abby Erceg and a first-round pick (No. 9 overall) in the 2016 NWSL College Draft, it was announced today. In return, the Flash have sent defender Whitney Engen and afourth-round pick in the 2017 College Draft to the Chicago Red Stars.
"We are excited for the additions of Abby Erceg and Adriana Leon," said Flash General Manager Rich Randall. " We strongly believe they will make immediate impacts for us as we look to build a championship team in 2016."
Leon, a Canadian allocation, helped lead host Canada to a quarterfinal appearance during the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. Leon appeared in four matches for Canada, who eventually bowed out to England.
Leon joined the Red Stars in 2013 via trade with the Boston Breakers. In her time in Chicago, Leon appeared in 35 matches and scored 10 points (3 goals, 4 assists). A 23-year-old native of Mississauga, Ontario, Leon earned her first cap with the Canada WNT in 2012 and has totaled 38 caps and five goals thus far.
Erceg, 25, is a New Zealand international and the current captain for the Football Ferns, where she accumulated 116 caps. Erceg joined the Red Stars in 2014 and made 25 appearances over her two seasons. The defender has totaled five goals with her national team after earning her first cap at the age of 17 in 2006.
In addition to playing in the Beijing Olympics, Erceg was on New Zealand's 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup roster and also has experience playing overseas. She is currently on loan with AS Elfen Saitama in Japan, playing in the same league as the Flash's Elizabeth Eddy.
In addition to Leon and Erceg, the Flash have also acquired the Red Stars' 2016 NWSL College Draft first-round pick, No. 9 overall. The Flash currently hold picks No. 9, No. 14, No. 24 and No. 26.
"In just a short time knowing Whit, I can speak volumes about her character and experience," Randall said of Engen. "It's never easy to part ways with a player like her but we are grateful for her time here and wish her the best moving forward."
Engen, 27, was acquired by the Flash last season via trade with the Houston Dash. The U.S. Women's National Team defender helped the USA win the 2015 Women's World Cup and appeared in 12 matches for the Flash last year. Engen was previously a member of the Flash's 2011 WPS Championship team.
Adriana Leon
Position: Forward
Nationality: Canada
Date of Birth: October 2, 1993
Hometown: Mississauga, ONT
Height: 5-3
Previous club: Chicago Red Stars
Abby Erceg
Position: Defender
Nationality: New Zealand
Date of Birth: November 20, 1989
Hometown: Whangarei, New Zealand
Height: 5-10
Previous club: Chicago Red Stars
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National Women's Soccer League Stories from November 10, 2015
- Offseason Report: Fortuna Hjorring, Adelaide United Record Shutout Wins - Sky Blue FC
- Flash Acquire Adriana Leon, Abby Erceg and Ninth Overall Pick in 2016 NWSL Draft - Western New York Flash
- Red Stars Acquire Whitney Engen - Chicago Stars FC
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