We’re only about a month into the NWSL offseason, but already the league is seeing some major transfers and trades. As a result, draft picks have moved around and the 2017 rosters are starting to take shape. Here is a look at some of the biggest transfers and trades in the league:
Ali Krieger- Washington DC to Orlando
A few weeks ago, it was announced that Ali Krieger was traded to the Orlando Pride in exchange for the Pride’s spot in the league’s distribution ranking order. Krieger joins the Pride after spending all four NWSL seasons with the Spirit. Krieger is also a starting defender for the U.S Women’s National Team.
Christine Nairn- Washington DC to Seattle
Nairn began her career in Seattle as the 7th overall pick in the 2013 Draft. She was traded to the Spirit ahead of the 2014 season. She returns to the Reign with Spirit Goalkeeper Madalyn Schiffel in exchange for Havana Solaun and the 3rd and 36th overall picks in this year’s draft.
Kristie Mewis- Boston to Washington DC
The Spirit acquired Kristie Mewis and Kassey Kallman from the Boston Breakers, as well as the No. 1 spot in the distribution ranking order. In exchange, Boston will receive defender Megan Oyster, the Spirit’s Nos. 3 and 9 overall picks in the 2017 NWSL College Draft, and the No. 2 spot in the distribution ranking order. Mewis had been with the Breakers since 2014, starting her NWSL career the year prior with FC Kansas City. Oyster was drafted by Washington in 2015.
Significant Depatures
The Seattle Reign have seen two significant departures from their roster, with Manon Melis announcing her retirement after the season ended and Kim Little announcing her return to the Arsenal Ladies. Little scored 34 goals in 67 appearances with the Reign. Melis scored seven goals in 16 matches with the team this season.
Draft Picture
With draft picks being traded around, here is an updated look at the first round of the NWSL Draft order. The NWSL Draft will take place at the start of next year.
Draft Order
- Boston Breakers
- Western New York Flash
- Boston Breakers
- Sky Blue FC
- FC Kansas City
- Seattle Reign
- Western New York Flash
- Chicago Red Stars
- Boston Breakers
- Sky Blue FC
