W-League Standouts Selected in 2015 NWSL Draft
Eight former LA Blues, including 2014 championship MVP Killion, head to professional ranks
A record 18 former W-League players were selected on Friday at the 2015 NWSL Draft, as 2014 Championship Most Valuable Player Sarah Killion led a contingent of eight former LA Blues players that will head to the professional ranks this spring.
Killion – who helped the Blues claim back-to-back W-League titles in 2013 and 2014 – was taken with the No. 2 selection by Sky Blue FC. In addition, she was recently called up by the U.S. Women’s National Team for its Algarve Cup training camp. Killion had a stellar college career while playing at UCLA and brings additional national team experience to Sky Blue FC at the U-18, U-20 and U-23 levels.
“I am extremely excited to get Sarah with the second pick,” Sky Blue FC technical director and head coach Jim Gabarra emphatically stated. “She is a perfect fit for our needs. Equally as important, Sarah is both a great player and a great person.”
Killion, 22, started 77 matches over 88 total appearances during her collegiate career. The Fort Wayne, Indiana, native had her best campaign this past fall as a senior, registering 30 points on nine goals and 12 assists while taking 45 shots. All marks were career highs, with the 12 assists matching her 2013 tally and equaling a school record. The 2014 NSCAA 3rd Team All-American was also selected to Top Drawer Soccer’s Best XI and named to her third consecutive All-Pac-12 Team in 2014.
She was quickly followed in the draft by fellow Blues Abby Dahlkemper and Sam Mewis, who were selected by the Western New York Flash with the third and fourth selections. The Flash – who named former Blues Technical Director Charlie Naimo to the same position this offseason – also selected 2012 W-League Rookie of the Year Lynn Williams in the first round, the fourth former Blue to be taken.
Six former W-League players were taken in the first round overall, as former Seattle Sounders Women midfielder Jaelene Hinkle was selected by the Flash and 2014 All-Central Conference selection Arin Gilliland of the Ottawa Fury went to the Chicago Red Stars.
A number of other W-League honorees were also selected on Friday. The Washington Spirit Reserves’ Sam Lofton – a 2014 All-League pick – was selected by the Boston Breakers, while Colorado Pride All-Western Conference selection Jessica Ayers was taken by FC Kansas City.
The story of the day was the Blues, however, who also saw Jamia Fields, Caprice Dydasco, Daphne Corboz and Chioma Ubogagu selected. Dydasco will join the Washington Spirit after having scored against her new club’s W-League team in this past season’s championship game. Fields heads to Boston, while Corboz and Ubogagu will join Killion with Sky Blue FC.
2015 Sky Blue FC season tickets are available now, with packages starting as low as $120. Make sure you catch all of the world class NWSL action this season at Yurcak Field by calling 888-SBFC-TIX (888-723-2849) or placing an order online.
The W-League is the first and longest-standing women’s soccer league in North America. The 2014 W-League campaign will feature 25 teams in four regional conferences playing 10-12 regular season matches. Featuring current and former international and professional stars, the W-League also provides elite amateurs the opportunity to compete while maintaining their eligibility as college student-athletes. The league is recognized throughout the world for providing superior competition for female players, while offering affordable family entertainment for fans throughout North America.
