Chicago sends Erceg, Leon and 9^th overall pick in 2016 College Draft.

CHICAGO, Ill. – The Chicago Red Stars announced today the team has acquired U.S. Women’s National Team defender Whitney Engen and a fourth-round pick in the 2017 National Women’s Soccer League College Draft from Western New York Flash. In exchange, Western New York received Abby Erceg, Adriana Leon and a first-round (No. 9 overall) selection in the 2016 NWSL College Draft.

Engen, 27, was allocated to the Houston Dash for the 2014 season, where she arrived midseason after the conclusion of her time with Swedish club Tyresö. Playing three seasons with Tyresö, Engen helped the team to a runner-up finish in the 2014 UEFA Women’s Champions League. For the 2015 NWSL season, Engen was traded to WNY Flash, where she started and played every minute in the 12 matches she was available for. Engen began her career in Chicago when the Red Stars drafted her fourth-overall in the 2010 WPS Draft, where she would start in all 24 matches that season.

In 2010, Engen was called up to the senior team, where she was most recently a member of the 2015 U.S. FIFA Women’s World Cup championship team. With 26 international caps, Engen will be teaming up with fellow USWNT center defender, Julie Johnston, for the 2016 NWSL season.

Erceg, 25, has started 23 matches since joining the Red Stars in the 2014 season. Totaling 2,075 minutes in two seasons, she was a mainstay in the backline.  Erceg, the New Zealand national team captain, has accumulated 116 caps in her international career.

Leon, 23, a member of the Canadian National Team, was acquired by the Red Stars from the Boston Breakers in 2013. In three seasons, Leon has played in 35 matches combining to score 3 goals and 4 assists.

The Chicago Red Stars will be looking to capitalize on their best finish in club history when they take on an expanded NWSL field in 2016. Season tickets can be purchased by clicking here or by calling 773.697.8699.

Whitney Engen

Position: Defender
Nationality: USA
Date of Birth: November 28, 1987
Hometown: Rolling Hills Estates, California
Height: 5-8
Previous Club: Western New York Flash