Thorns FC announce list of protected players for NWSL Expansion Draft

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC today announced its list of protected and unprotected players ahead of the National Women’s Soccer League Expansion Draft on Monday, Nov. 2, at 9 a.m. (Pacific). Beginning play in 2016 as the 10th club to join the NWSL, the Orlando Pride will be able to select up to 10 players from the expansion draft list of unprotected players.

Due to Portland not qualifying for the NWSL Playoffs, the club was allowed to protect 10 players in the Expansion Draft. Playoff teams were able to protect nine players. Each team may protect up to two U.S. allocated players. Any additional U.S. allocated players on a team’s roster must be left unprotected. The Pride will be allowed to select no more than two U.S. allocated players. Orlando will only be able to select up to two players from any one club, except if they select a U.S. allocated player in which case they may not take any additional player from the club.