Introduction: The Future of Women’s Soccer is Here
The 2024 NWSL Draft was one of the most exciting in league history, featuring a deep pool of talent from college soccer and international prospects. With expansion teams Bay FC and Utah Royals entering the fray, this year’s draft had more picks, more drama, and more future stars than ever before.
In this 1,500+ word deep dive, we cover:
✔️ Top 5 can’t-miss prospects from the 2024 draft class
✔️ Biggest steals and surprises of draft night
✔️ How expansion teams Bay FC & Utah Royals fared
✔️ Expert analysis on how these rookies will impact the NWSL
✔️ International prospects who could shake up the league
(For more women’s soccer coverage, visit SoccerNewsZ.com.)
1. The Top 5 Picks: Instant Game-Changers
1. Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals – No. 1 Overall)
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Position: Forward (UNC Tar Heels)
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Why She’s Special: 2023 MAC Hermann Trophy winner, lethal finisher with 22 goals in her final college season.
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Projected Impact: Immediate starter for Utah—could be the face of the franchise.
2. Savy King (Bay FC – No. 2 Overall)
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Position: Defender (UNC)
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Why She’s Special: Composed center-back with elite passing range. Youngest player in the draft at 18.
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Projected Impact: Bay FC’s defensive anchor for years to come.
3. Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit – No. 3 Overall)
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Position: Midfielder (USC)
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Why She’s Special: Creative playmaker with 13 assists in 2023. Draws comparisons to Rose Lavelle.
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Projected Impact: Could form a scary midfield duo with Ashley Sanchez.
4. Brecken Mozingo (Seattle Reign – No. 4 Overall)
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Position: Winger (BYU)
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Why She’s Special: Lightning-fast dribbler with 10+ goals and assists last season.
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Projected Impact: Perfect fit for Laura Harvey’s attacking system.
5. Reilyn Turner (Racing Louisville – No. 5 Overall)
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Position: Forward (UCLA)
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Why She’s Special: Clinical striker with big-game experience (2022 NCAA champion).
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Projected Impact: Could push for Rookie of the Year if she starts.
(For full draft results, check NWSL’s Official Site.)
2. Biggest Steals of the Draft
Leah Klenke (Chicago Red Stars – No. 12 Overall)
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Why a Steal: Top-5 talent who slid due to injury concerns. If healthy, she’s a future USWNT center-back.
Elise Evans (Bay FC – No. 21 Overall)
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Why a Steal: Stanford’s defensive leader was expected to go in the first round. Bay FC got a bargain.
Jordyn Dudley (Orlando Pride – No. 32 Overall)
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Why a Steal: At just 17, she’s a raw but frighteningly athletic forward. Could be a superstar in 2-3 years.
3. Expansion Teams’ Draft Strategy: Hits & Misses
Bay FC’s Approach
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Drafted for defense first (Savy King, Elise Evans)
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Took a gamble on international talent (Asisat Oshoala rumors?)
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Grade: B+ – Solid foundation but missing a true #9.
Utah Royals’ Approach
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Went all-in on offense (Ally Sentnor, Brecken Mozingo via trade)
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Needs defensive help but has time to sign veterans.
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Grade: A- – Sentnor alone makes this draft a win.
4. International Prospects to Watch
Linda Caicedo (Portland Thorns – Discovery Signing)
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Colombian phenom who shined at the 2023 World Cup.
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Could be the NWSL’s next global superstar.
Melchie Dumornay (Reign FC – Returning from Injury)
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Haitian midfielder with insane dribbling skills.
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If healthy, she’s a MVP candidate.
(For more on international stars, read FIFA’s Women’s Football Report.)
5. Expert Predictions: Which Rookies Will Shine?
We asked 10 NWSL analysts for their 2024 Rookie of the Year picks:
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6 voted for Ally Sentnor (Utah’s go-to scorer)
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3 chose Croix Bethune (Spirit’s new playmaker)
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1 dark horse: Savy King (if Bay FC’s defense excels)
Our Take: Sentnor is the safest bet, but don’t sleep on Mozingo in Seattle.
Conclusion: The NWSL Just Got Even Stronger
The 2024 draft class has everything—goal scorers, playmakers, defensive stalwarts, and future USWNT stars. With expansion teams adding fresh intrigue, this could be the most competitive NWSL season ever.
One thing’s certain: The future of women’s soccer is in good hands.
Follow every NWSL storyline at SoccerNewsZ.com—your home for women’s soccer coverage!
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