Gary Gibson
If you want to know more about the NWSL draft prospects, please check out www.soccerdossier.com
To see the results of the full mock draft for every team, please check out https://soccerdossier.com/2023-nwsl-mock-draft-version-1-0/
This is the first of two mock drafts. And a lot has changed even in the week since I made my selections for Gotham. I will look at my three picks. Evaluate them and offer alternatives.
"Pro ready player. Gotham needs depth and she’s the future. Her skill set is one Gotham doesn’t have in getting forward and adding to attacks". – @overgothampod
Madril is considered the top pick in the draft. So much so that the NWSL signed her to a contract to keep her rights. Madril is one of the best athletes in draft. A physical 1 v 1 defender who has recovery speed and takes great angles. Exceptional passing range and control. What Madril does different than almost any other center back is get forward regularly. If there is space in the midfield, after a pass she'll run into that space and demand the ball back. Her willingness to add another number in the attack is a great offensive weapon. However, in some cases, and especially at this level, if a turnover occurs it can lead to a vulnerable defensive shape.
Here are some highlights showing off Emily's incredible speed and attacking flair.
Gotham at the moment has 3 center backs on roster. Ali Krieger and Mandy Freeman are locked in starters. But behind them is a 2nd year player in Kelly Ann Livingstone. A raw but high ceiling player who hasn't had much time to show what she has. Adding Madril, a pro ready player would give Gotham two players to build around in the future. Livingstone and Madril could be a great pairing.
Other considerations here:
Clara Robbins (Florida State) – M: Madril's teammate. Also played with Madril at Racing Louisville 2. Another pro ready midfielder. Gotham has a ton of midfield talent and it would be hard for Clara to get time right away.
Penelope Hocking (Penn State) – F: An prolific goal scorer for Penn State. A bit of a stretch at number 1, but most of the high ranked picks are midfielders that Gotham does not have a need for.
All of this changes if Alyssa Thompson declares early. Not necessarily a position of need but does Gotham pass up a generational talent like Thompson if available and try to get Brewster with their second pick?
2.01 – Gotham FC – Messiah Bright (TCU) – F
Bright is one of the best strikers in the country. Fits what the new coach wants in a 9. – @overgothampod
Messiah Bright is a very talented attacker who fits the role of a number 9 that new coach Amoros likes. Understands space very well and as you can witness in the highlight video below, has a very good first touch and has deadly accuracy. Getting Bright in the second round is a steal.
Other considerations here:
Rebecca Jarrett (Virginia) – F. The Wall Township NJ native can fly up the wing and get balls across.Left wing is an obvious hole in this roster. Very much like Victoria Pickett. An injury hurts her draft stock otherwise this is another first round draft pick and a steal in round 2.
Jenna Nighswonger (Florida State) – F: A talented forward who would struggle to find minutes this season.
4.01 – Gotham FC – Cecily Stoute (Georgia) – D
Fits Gotham culture on and off the field. A talent on the field and off. wins 80 percent of her duels. bright future for the Trinidad and Tobago national teamer. – @overgothampod
Admittedly, made this pick before O'hara and Flores were announced. Still waiting for official confirmation. Also before Harris retired. Stoute is a very smart soccer player who can play on both sides of the ball. A Trinidad and Tobago national teamer.
Other considerations here:
Lauren Kozal (Michigan State) – GK: A very good shot stopper who has tremendous passing range. A player that can if given a year to get up to speed be very good.
Megan McClelland (Rutgers) – GK: Rutgers all time leader in minutes. Another good shot stopper.
What are your thoughts? Let us know, Gotham fans!