As It Happened | The minute-by-minute of Thorns FC's 2022 NWSL Draft

The Basics

The 2022 NWSL Draft presented by Ally will stream live Saturday, Dec. 18 on Paramount+, the CBS Sports HQ Twitch channel, the CBS Sports HQ and NWSL YouTube channels as well as above. CBS Sports Network will also televise coverage of the draft, along with CBS Sports HQ, from 11am-1pm PT. The draft will also stream internationally outside the U.S. on the NWSL’s Twitch channel.

Portland Thorns FC currently hold three picks: The first and 10th picks in the second round (No. 13, 22 overall) and the 10th pick in the fourth round (No. 48 overall) .

• NWSL Draft Board

ThornsFC.com will bring you live updates on this blog throughout the day with insight and commentary on the team's picks.

Draft Expert: Lori Lindsey

ThornsFC.com's Richard Farley talks with former USWNT star and NWSL expert Lori Lindsey about what players Portland could be eyeing, what their top needs are and how the team could approach the 2022 NWSL Draft.

Draft Day Primer

ThornsFC.com's Richard Farley sets the scene with this draft day table setter:

The NWSL Draft is typically the highpoint of each league offseason, yet how much will tomorrow’s draft impact the 2022 Thorns? That question, along with its entailed expectations, is at the core of how Portland soccer fans will evaluate Saturday’s selection process.

Draft Expert: TopDrawerSoccer.com's Travis Clark

ThornsFC.com's Richard Farley talks with TopDrawerSoccer.com's Travis Clark about the NCAA landscape and player pool ahead of the 2022 NWSL Draft.

Thorns FC GM Karina LeBlanc gives her draft day outlook

Thorns general manager Karina LeBlanc talks about her excitement in approaching her first NWSL Draft for Portland.

Thorns FC head coach Rhian Wilkinson discusses draft prep

ThornsFC.com's Richard Farley speaks with Thorns head coach Rhian Wilkinson about the upcoming NWSL Draft and how she and her staff are approaching it.

Sophia Smith interviewed during the draft going first overall in 2020

Thorns forward Sophia Smith was interviewed during the 2022 NWSL Draft by Marisa Pilla about her experience being the top overall selection back in 2020 as well as what she's learned about the game while playing for Portland.

Thorns open second round selecting Sydny Nasello from USF

As the second round got underway, so too, did the Thorns. With the first pick of the second round – No. 13 overall – Portland selected forward Sydny Nasello from the University of South Florida.

Draft Expert: TopDrawerSoccer.com's Travis Clark on Sydny Nasello

College soccer expert Travis Clark of TopDrawerSoccer.com shares what 2022 NWSL Draft second round selection Sydny Nasello can bring to the Thorns. From her elusive speed to strength on the dribble, Clark breaks down what makes Nasallo special.

Sydney Nasello talks about being selected by the Thorns: "It's been a dream"

With the No. 22 overall pick, Thorns take Gabby Provenzano

As the second round continued, the Thorns selected defender Gabby Provenzano from Rutgers.

Thorns pick Gabby Provenzano talks about being selected by Portland: "I'm super honored"

With the No. 48 overall pick, Thorns select Natalie Beckman

Late in the fourth round, the Thorns select forward Natalie Beckman from the University of Denver.