Gotham FC trades out of the first round to add a 1st round pick in next year's draft. Multiple players with first round grades opted to stay in college. Taking advantage of the NCAA extra year of eligibility afforded to them from Covid 19 rules. https://www.ncsasports.org/coronavirus-sports/ncaa-eligibility-coronavirus
Gotham doesn't go out empty handed. Gotham had put a Discovery Claim on BYU senior Cameron Tucker after the 2021 draft. Tucker was eligible for the 2021 draft but decided to stay in school for the extra year afforded to her. Any player that is registered and eligible for a draft that goes undrafted, can be put on a team's discovery list, whether or not they decide to return to college.
Tucker, an attacker out of BYU was signed right before the draft. Cameron was seen as a first round pick and was Top Drawer Soccer's 11th best player on their big board. Gotham FC was able to get a first round player without giving up compensation or any draft picks.
About Cameron Tucker:
5'9 attacker out of Highland Utah. Tucker scored 43 goals and amassed 31 assists in 99 games at BYU. Sixth most goals in BYU history. Tucker has been named West Coast Conference Player of the Week five times throughout her career, with two honors during the 2021 season. Was elected to the all tournament team after leading BYU to the college championship game.
Expectations: Could see first team minutes. Will be behind a bevy of attackers vying for that winger or forward role. Closest to Paige Monahan in style but a bit more direct. A forward who likes to drive at defenders and wrong foot them. Direct attacker and uses her speed and agility to get by defenders. A calm finisher.
Highlights: #20
Scores 3 goals in this highlight. Showing explosiveness and calm finishing. Also shows a toughness and desire to defend and win balls back.
Quotes:
Exclusive: We reached out to BYU women's soccer head coach Jennifer Rockwood:
"We are thrilled for Cameron to take her talents and skills to the next level. Cam will bring an energy and excitement to her new team. She has a passion for the game. It shows in her training and the way she competes on a daily basis. She is a fantastic teammate and will add to the positive culture of Gotham FC."
From presser:
“This opportunity is a dream come true for me,” Tucker said. “I couldn’t have picked a better place to continue my career. I’m so excited to play alongside some great players and be coached by amazing coaches who won’t only help me become a better soccer player, but will also help me grow in many ways off of the soccer field.”
"We are really excited to have Cameron join our squad here," said Head Coach Scott Parkinson. "She fits our style perfectly and possesses the ability to affect the game with and without the ball. She enjoys the run and press as much as she does dribbling and scoring. We believe Cameron will add to our firepower up top and my staff and I can't wait to get to work with her."
Read more: Friend of podcast Jenna Tonelli's interview with Tucker:
Photo Credit: BYU