Flash Target Young Talent at 2015 NWSL College Draft
Published on January 15, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
Elma, N.Y. ( Thursday, January 15, 2015 ) - On Friday morning in Philadelphia, the Western New York Flash roster will begin to take shape at the 2015 National Women's Soccer League College Draft. After a busy offseason, the Flash have amassed six total picks and will look to build on a roster that currently sits at 11 players. (Click here for the current Flash roster.)
The Flash currently hold the No. 3, No. 4, No. 6, No. 7, No. 18 and No. 21 selections.
With the numerous draft picks, four in the first round alone, the Flash will gain what General Manager and Head Coach Aaran Lines believes to be some of the top talent we've seen coming out of college.
"We think this is one of the best draft classes ever seen in the women's game," Lines said. "It's very comparable to the 2010 WPS Draft class that saw players like Lauren Cheney, Tobin Heath, Kelley O'Hara and so many more come into the game."
"We're fortunate we've been able to acquire four first round picks. We see this, not only as an investment in the future, but also into the current season with the quality of the players that are coming out this year."
With University of Virginia midfielder Morgan Brian expected to be taken with the No. 1 pick by the Houston Dash, the Flash's plans at picks No. 3 and No. 4 have been in place for a while. Sky Blue FC controls the No. 2 selection.
"We obviously don't play a role in the first two picks, so who goes there we can't control. But, we have a pretty good idea of who might be available when it's our turn."
Lines, however, believes that no matter who Sky Blue takes, the Flash will still acquire two top quality players - another indication of the strength of this draft class.
"It's really nice to have two picks back-to-back. We're looking for players in multiple areas and it gives us the ability to find them," Lines explained. "As for our first two picks, number three and number four, those will be the best available."
At the conclusion of the 2014 NWSL season, Lines and newly-appointed Technical Director Charlie Naimo began the process to "World Cup proof" the 2015 roster. With internationals and allocations expected to miss a large portion of the season, the pair agreed that it was important to build a lineup that would withstand the fluctuations of the coming year.
A big part of that was finding players that could fill any role, at any time, and still contribute to the on-field success of the club.
"With the draft class, we'll see players specific to certain positions but that's why we thought it was important to find versatility in our more experienced players," Lines said. "But, with the players coming out, though they may be specific positions, they are positions that they play very well."
However, with the second most picks in the draft (only behind Boston's seven), will Lines and the Flash be looking into transactions at the table?
"I don't think we'll be looking to trade any of them but, in football, never say never."
About the 2015 NWSL College Draft
When : Friday, January 16, 2015
Time : 9:30 a.m. ET
Where : Pennsylvania Convention Center
Fan Information: Limited spectator space will be available at the Draft on a first-come, first-serve basis.
How the Picks Were Acquired
Round 1, Pick 3: Own pick due to 7th Place finish in 2014
Round 1, Pick 4: via Trade with Sky Blue FC
Round 1, Pick 6: via Trade with Washington Spirit
Round 1, Pick 7: via Trade with Portland Thorns FC
Round 2, Pick 18: via Trade with Boston Breakers
Round 3, Pick 21: Own pick due to 7th Place finish in 2014
How to Follow
Follow the Flash's Official Twitter, @WNYFlash, for live coverage of the Draft including pick-by-pick selections. "Like" the Flash on Facebook and follow on Instagram for additional insider looks at the day.
Plus, add the Flash as a friend on Snapchat for Behind-the-Scenes exclusive footage of the Draft!
Live Draft Chat
The NWSL will be offering a live chat for fans with commentary and analysis from some of the top College coaching including: Leslie Gallimore (University of Washington), Becky Burleigh (University of Florida) and Nancy Feldman (Boston University).
National Women's Soccer League Stories from January 15, 2015
- Reign FC Prepare for 2015 NWSL College Draft - Seattle Reign FC
- NWSL Unveils Complete List of Eligible Players for 2015 College Draft - FC Kansas City
- NWSL Unveils Complete List of Eligible Players for 2015 College Draft - NWSL
- Sky Blue FC Announces 2015 Open Tryouts - Sky Blue FC
- Flash Target Young Talent at 2015 NWSL College Draft - Western New York Flash
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
