The Red Stars will look to add depth to a talented core 

Chicago, Ill. – The Chicago Red Stars look to add more depth to the team in the 2016 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) College Draft to be held on Friday, January 15 at 10 a.m. (ET) at the National Soccer Coaches Association of American (NSCAA) Convention in Baltimore.

The NWSL College Draft consists of four rounds, with ten picks in each round. The order for the draft is based off how a team finishes the NWSL regular season (i.e. if a team were to finish last in league play, they obtain the overall number one draft pick). During the offseason however, trades are made and draft picks are sent to other teams and the Red Stars made their share of off-season moves.

In November 2015 the Red Stars announced a trade with Western New York Flash that would bring U.S Women’s National Team defender Whitney Engen to Chicago in exchange for Abby Erceg, Adriana Leon and the first-round (No. 9 overall) selection in the 2016 NWSL College Draft. This trade ultimately set up Chicago to send Engen to the Boston Breakers in exchange for U.S. National Team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.

In order to be picked in the draft, collegiate athletes must enter their name to NWSL, with the final list being released by the NWSL; the players must have completed their senior season or have no eligibility with the NCAA remaining to be considered.

The 2016 draft for the Chicago Red Stars bring unchartered territory, as the team does not hold a first-round draft pick for the first time in NWSL draft history. The Red Stars do have one second-round pick, three third-round picks and one fourth-round though and will look to add great talent that can contribute in the upcoming season.

The Red Stars will look to improve on the past season where they finished second in league, the best finish in team history. To view a complete list of the 2016 NWSL College Draft order click here.