In perhaps the biggest trade on a draft day full of them, Sky Blue FC acquired forward Mallory Pugh from the Washington Spirit, a source confirmed to Pro Soccer USA. Three draft picks, including this year’s fourth overall pick, went to the Spirit in exchange.
Spirit head coach Richie Burke earlier told Pro Soccer USA he was eager for one of the first picks in the draft. With the fourth pick previously owned by Sky Blue, the Spirit selected highly-regarded UCLA forward Ashley Sanchez. Sky Blue also gave the Spirit the 13th and 17th overall picks, with which the team selected USC’s Natalie Jacobs and Washington State’s Averie Collins.