Photo Credit: NWSL
--update 3/14/22. Raleigh has not been included on any preseason rosters. It seems certain that she will not be moving forward with the team and will sign elsewhere--
About Raleigh Loughman:
5'8 Michigan central midfielder from San Diego, CA. Winner of multiple All-Academic awards and First Team Big Ten and Big Ten Player of Tournament award. Captained a talented Michigan team that lost to eventual champions Florida State in the Quarter Finals. Taking eventual champs to over time.
A central midfielder that can play any of the three central midfield spots. Was used as both a holding midfielder and attacking midfield this season at Michigan. As both an attacker and creator Raleigh scored 9 goals and registered 9 assists this season. Boasts an incredible .500 shooting percentage. Possesses a high soccer IQ and considered a high character player.
Expectations: Gotham lost all their creative central midfielders this offseason. Lee, Lloyd, Thiney and Pinto. Will be behind only Mewis as an attacking midfielder for minutes and may see the field more than the other draftees if Mewis is away with the national team.
Highlights: #27 Scoring two goals in this highlight. Showing instinctual runs in the box and comfortable shooting with both feet.
Quotes:
Exclusive: We reached out to Michigan HC Jen Klein:
"I am so happy for Raleigh on being drafted into the NWSL. Raleigh is a great soccer player with an incredible soccer IQ and I know that she will be great at the next level."
Read more: Jenna Tonelli's of Jersey Sporting News interview of Gotham FC Head Coach Scott Parkinson about the offseason moves.
The 22 Draft Class Profiles:
Forward Cameron Tucker:
Keeper Hensley Hancuff:
Defender Kelly Ann Livingstone: