NWSL Seattle Reign FC

Reign FC Prepare for 2015 NWSL College Draft

Published on January 15, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Seattle Reign FC News Release


SEATTLE (January 15, 2015) - Seattle Reign FC will be in Philadelphia on Friday morning to participate in the 2015 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) College Draft. Reign FC has had a relatively quiet off-season and this year's draft could help round out its roster ahead of the 2015 season. The draft kicks off January 16 at 6:30 a.m. PT at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Convention in Philadelphia.

Reign FC 2015 College Draft Position

Reign FC made waves prior to the start of the 2014 season when head coach and general manager Laura Harvey traded the clubs 2015 NWSL College Draft first and second round picks (No. 9 and 18 overall), along with goalkeeper Michelle Betos and midfielder Kristie Mewis (who was acquired in an earlier trade with FC Kansas City for forward Amy Rodriguez) to the Boston Breakers in exchange for forward Sydney Leroux.

More recently, Reign FC traded one of its two second round picks (No. 16 overall) and third round pick (No. 26 overall) along with defender Kate Deines to FC Kansas City to acquire midfielder Merritt Mathias.

Reign FC currently hold the 15th and 36th overall selections in the 2015 NWSL College Draft.

"The talent in the draft this year is a good standard, but the league has also grown over the past two seasons showing it can attract some of the most talented players in the world," said Harvey. "Although I'm sure this 2015 class will have an impact in the league, it will be a tough task for these college graduates heading into the 2015 NWSL season. I'm excited to see who can have impact this year."

With most of the 2014 NWSL Shield winning team still intact, Harvey will be looking at the talent available on Friday to potentially add additional depth to an already impressive roster.

Top 2015 NWSL College Draft Prospects

The preliminary list of players eligible for selection in the 2015 NWSL College Draft was released on January 9. With the Women's World Cup pulling national team allocated players away from their club duties, the prospects available on Friday will help teams around the league add depth while filling in those roster gaps.

Here is a break down of some of the top prospects available for selection.

Goalkeepers

Katelyn Rowland (UCLA) set the NCAA record for career shutouts this year at UCLA. A veteran of the U.S. Women's National Team U-20 squad, Rowland is predicted to be the first keeper chosen in the College Draft.

Sabrina D'Angelo (South Carolina) is another top choice for NWSL teams looking to add depth to their last line of defense. D'Angelo has demonstrated an explosive-shot stopping ability as well as a powerful foot that allows her to clear dangerous balls inside and outside the box.

Defenders

Abby Dahlkemper (UCLA) is expected to be one of the top five players chosen on Friday. The center back solidified the best defense in the nation while simultaneously making plays to quickly jumpstart offensive attacks. The four-time All-American was also the first defender to be named a MAC Hermann finalist in 10 years.

Arin Gilliland (Kentucky) is a versatile left back with the speed and athleticism to switch to forward when needed. During her time at Kentucky, she scored 28 goals and was recently called up to the U-23 Women's National Team camp in early January.

Midfielders

Morgan Brian (Virginia) is predicted to be selected first overall on Friday by the Houston Dash. The two time MAC Hermann winner already has 19 caps for the U.S. Women's National team. During her time at Virginia, Brian notched 41 goals and 43 assists in 81 games.

Sarah Killion (UCLA) and Samantha Mewis (UCLA) are also both top midfield prospects in the draft. Killion is an all-around great defensive midfielder who posted 13 goals and 32 assists in 88 games during her time at UCLA. Mewis was a MAC Hermann semifinalist and a huge offensive threat for UCLA, posting 31 goals and 32 assists in 97 games through her four years.

Forwards

Chioma Ubogagu (Stanford) is seen as a creative forward with the speed to excel up front, out wide, and take on defenders one on one. Ubogagu is expected to be one of the first forwards taken in the draft. Another forward that has drawn the attention of NWSL teams is Sofia Huerta (Santa Clara). Huerta posted 47 goals and 19 assists in her 80 games with Santa Clara and was named West Coast Conference women's soccer co-player of the year in 2014.

A preliminary list of players eligible for selection in the 2015 NWSL College Draft can be found here .

Live Draft Chat

During the draft, the NWSL will host a Live Draft Chat starting at 6:30 a.m. PT. The chat will feature expert analysis from University of Washington's women's soccer head coach Lesle Gallimore along with special guests Becky Burleigh from the University of Florida and Nancy Feldman from Boston University.

In addition, Lamar University women's head soccer coach, Orlando Cervantes, will be providing his expert opinion on the draft choices in a twitter takeover of @NWSL.

How Fans Can Follow

Fans will also be able to follow the draft on NWSLsoccer.com, on Twitter (@NWSL and @SeattleReignFC ) and on the NWSL and Seattle Reign FC Facebook pages.

Full Draft Details

2015 NWSL College Draft

NSCAA Convention

Pennsylvania Convention Center

1101 Arch St. Philadelphia, PA 19107

Friday, Jan. 16, 2015

Start time: 9:30 a.m. ET

Room: 113B-C

The latest order for the 2015 NWSL College Draft can be found here. You can also find the selections from the 2013 draft and 2014 draft on NWSLsoccer.com.

Reign FC will open the 2015 season at home on Sunday, April 12 against Abby Wambach and the Western New York Flash. Season ticket packages for Seattle's upcoming season start at just $195. Fans looking to purchase tickets can call (855) REIGN-FC or visit ReignFC.com today.

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