The 2024 NWSL Draft gives one other alternative for every of the league’s 14 groups to employees up forward of the brand new season, this time with some promising expertise out of school.
Please verify the opt-in field to acknowledge that you simply wish to subscribe.
Thanks for signing up!
Regulate your inbox.
Sorry!
There was an error processing your subscription.
The very best case situation for all 14 of the league’s sides will probably be to search out some significant depth earlier than the season begins. Having proficient gamers within the rotation will probably be essential for NWSL groups in 2024, since two new growth groups means an extended common season, whereas the expanded playoffs and creation of a brand new midseason match throughout the Olympics means minutes are up for grabs.
That stated, every staff will little doubt have their very own priorities in thoughts as soon as they’re formally on the clock. That is very true for the likes of Bay FC and the Utah Royals, the incoming sides with the highest two draft picks and roster spots to supply earlier than they kick off the 2024 season.
Here is a take a look at every staff’s wants earlier than Friday’s draft.
Angel Metropolis: Attacking depth
With no first spherical choose presently, the Los Angeles-based staff is clearly on the seek for depth somewhat than somebody who can slot into the lineup straight away. Angel Metropolis might shore up their midfield and ahead line, particularly after shedding Savannah McCaskill within the free company market to the San Diego Wave. If a robust possibility is on the market by the point their identify known as, they need to swoop proper in for that participant.
Bay FC: Somebody who’s prepared on day one
With simply 11 gamers on the roster and some quick weeks earlier than preseason begins, Bay FC’s roster choice is a sluggish construct that should pace up. The excellent news for the Northern California facet is that they’ve the No. 2 choose and may choose from all kinds of gamers since they’ve gaps throughout their roster proper now.
Chicago Purple Stars: Defensive power
After shedding Tierna Davidson to NJ/NY Gotham FC and Bianca St-Georges to the North Carolina Braveness throughout the free company window, the Purple Stars might use some defensive depth as they start a brand new period beneath head coach Lorne Donaldson. A stable protection was additionally key to Donadlson’s success finally 12 months’s Ladies’s World Cup with Jamaica.
Houston Sprint: Midfield possibility
One other facet with out a first spherical choose, the Sprint can nonetheless use the chance to shore up their midfield. The staff already has a robust again line and posted among the best defensive information of the 2023 season, plus has a promising assault brewing with the NWSL’s highest-paid participant Maria Sanchez main the best way. Choices in midfield to attach these operations would come in useful.
Kansas Metropolis Present: Enhancing again line
The Present had one of many worst defensive performances of 2023, one thing that would develop into an outlier somewhat than a sample as Vlatko Andonovski takes cost. Additionally they wouldn’t have a primary spherical choose however ought to choose a defensive-minded participant that may no less than play understudy to the staff’s first decisions.
NJ/NY Gotham FC: One other ahead
After their unprecedented free company sweep, Gotham look like the staff that has every little thing they might probably want. Dipping into the pool of draft picks won’t harm the reigning champions, although, particularly if a proficient ahead continues to be obtainable to them. Whereas Lynn Williams, Midge Purce and Esther Gonzalez are anticipated to start out, somebody who will supply depth might come in useful.
North Carolina Braveness: Immediate attacking contributor
With Kerolin out for a while after sustaining an ACL tear in October and shedding Tess Boade within the growth draft, the Braveness is likely to be quick on attacking choices in 2024. There will probably be a handful obtainable to them by the point they’re on the clock with the No. 5 choose and will be capable of land one of many class of 2024’s prime skills.
OL Reign: A prime choose
The Reign don’t presently have a primary spherical choose, but it surely is likely to be an honest concept to commerce for one. The Seattle-based facet are quick on star energy after Megan Rapinoe retired and Rose Lavelle and Emily Sonnett moved to Gotham, and with an impending possession transition probably slowing down high-profile participant recruitment, the Reign ought to use the draft to land an on the spot contributor who is certain to make an impression.
Orlando Pleasure: Selections up prime
The Pleasure’s rebuild could be very a lot underway with some stable midfield signings, however they might use a ahead to enhance the roster-building mission. Somebody who can fill in instantly is all the time perfect however not needed, so long as they find yourself serving as an vital possibility because the season winds down.
Portland Thorns: Defensive focus
The Thorns had a comparatively porous again line in 2023 and misplaced longtime heart again Emily Menges within the growth draft to Bay FC. Coupled with the truth that Becky Sauerbrunn and Meghan Klingenberg are out of contract, protection must be a precedence usually for the Thorns this offseason, and the draft would possibly be capable of assist with that.
Racing Louisville: Impactful striker
Louisville misplaced South Africa standout Thembi Kgetlana after she moved to Tigres this offseason, whereas free brokers Jessica McDonald and Nadia Nadim won’t return to the membership. It means Racing have a couple of vacancies up prime and would possibly be capable of fill them with somebody from this 12 months’s draft class.
San Diego Wave: Defenders or midfielders
Final 12 months’s Defend winners have one of the crucial full rosters within the league so the draft will probably be useful in lining up depth. Whereas the assault appears to be evolving properly with McCaskill’s addition and Jaedyn Shaw’s development, there is likely to be room for dependable rookies behind them.
Utah Royals: Any depth will do
They’re additional forward of their roster construct than Bay are however might nonetheless use any and all proficient gamers obtainable to them. Because the staff that holds the No. 1 choose, count on Utah to land one of many draft class’ greatest gamers who might contribute pretty shortly because the staff marks their comeback in 2024.
Washington Spirit: Expertise in midfield
The Spirit boast one of the crucial thrilling attacking trios within the league with Trinity Rodman, Ashley Sanchez and Ashley Hatch, however including gamers who might pitch in behind them will not harm. Depth there is likely to be further helpful within the wake of Tori Huster’s retirement, too.
