Portland Thorns FC have acquired Angel City FC’s natural first-round pick, currently the No. 5 pick, in the 2023 NWSL Draft, $200,000 in allocation money and a 2024 natural second round pick from the club in exchange for midfielder Yazmeen Ryan, it was announced today.
“I am excited for Yaz and her future in this league as she continues her career,” said Thorns FC general manager Karina LeBlanc. “She has been a player who has shown her abilities during her time here in Portland and is highly regarded. We want to thank her for all of her contributions, not only for helping us win a championship, but also for all her work in our community.”
Ryan, 23, was selected sixth overall by Portland in the 2021 NWSL Draft out of Texas Christian University. The midfielder signed with the club in spring of 2021, making her NWSL debut in a road match against the North Carolina Courage on June 26. In two seasons, Ryan appeared in 38 matches across all competitions (21 starts), tallying three goals and five assists. She helped Portland win the 2021 NWSL Shield and Women’s International Championship along with the 2022 NWSL Championship. In 2022, Ryan played in 18 games (11 starts), recording two goals and five assists.
The 2023 NWSL Draft will take place on Thursday, Jan. 12, beginning at 3 p.m. (Pacific) at the United Soccer Coaches Convention at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Portland has five picks (5, 12, 24, 36, 48). The draft will begin on CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ and CBS Sports HQ, the free 24/7 streaming sports news network, 3 to 4 p.m. (Pacific). The draft livestream will continue on Paramount+ and CBS Sports HQ from 4 to 8 p.m. (Pacific).
