NWSL is all set to go into a draft for college soccer players for the 2023 season. The draft will take place in Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, on 12 January 2023. NJ/NY Gotham City FC, co-owned by Kevin Durant, will be the first to pick the player in the draft.
However, reports are emerging that a four-club trade might see Angel City FC picking the first player. Gotham City is the most valuable NWSL club and, like Angel City FC, is attracting several investors to invest in the club, which already has the likes of Kevin Durant and Sue Bird in the consortium.
Meanwhile, Gotham City fans think the club needs to reinforce the attacking department. Duke star Michelle Cooper will attract most clubs after her display in college soccer last season, winning her Hermann Trophy in 2022. They are urging the club to go for the best college player winner of 2022 in the draft.
Kevin Durant co-owned Gotham City FC urged signing college soccer sensation
Gotham City fans have taken over social media urging the club to pick the best college soccer player winner in the draft. The club finished last in the standing in 2022, scoring the least amount of goals. It has made fans want the club to strengthen the attacking department.
The goal-scoring exploits of Michelle Cooper with the Duke last season have made her the top pick of Gotham City fans in the draft, and don’t want the club to miss out on her.
MICHELLE COOPER IS ON THE DRAFT LIST. REPEAT: MICHELLE COOPER IS ON THE DRAFT LIST.
This, barring a decision I’m not totally sure I could justify, means the #1 pick should be decided. Gotham needs a gamebreaking boost to the attack to pair with Purce. Cooper is just that.
— J.J. Post (@JayJayPost) January 5, 2023
Michelle Cooper continues to dominate. Now officially named the best college player in the game this season. Next stop Gotham FC. #YERRRR
— Chelsea Calder (@chelseaacalder) January 7, 2023
I assume Gotham because ACFC informed the world what they were doing.
— Mark I Am (@lmanpunk) January 7, 2023
Few fans highlighted the club needs youngsters. There were few fans who want Gotham City to have another star, Yazmeen Ryan, with Cooper from the draft.
If my math in this wild deal is correct, Gotham basically spends $100,000 + 4th-round '24 pick to get Yazmeen Ryan and (presumably) Michelle Cooper.
Seems like a great deal for Gotham!
— Susie Rantz (@SusieRants) January 5, 2023
No matter what, if Gotham sits tight they are guaranteed to be first in line for Michelle Cooper, and add Yazmeen Ryan to that with only 100k sent out? That's good business, people.
— Claire Watkins (@ScoutRipley) January 5, 2023
Michelle Cooper won MAC Hermann Trophy for 2022
Cooper, who plays for Duke women’s team in college soccer, was in blistering form last season. She amassed 19 goals and 11 assists last season in 21 starts. The right-footed forward made a strong case for the prestigious trophy, Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy in 2022.
via Imago
Alajuela, Costa Rica, August 11th 2022: Portrait headshot/close up of captain Michelle Cooper 9 USA during the FIFA U20 Womens World Cup Costa Rica 2022 football match between Ghana and USA at Morera Soto in Alajuela, Costa Rica. Daniela Porcelli / SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRA Copyright: xDanielaxPorcellix/xSPPx spp-en-DaPoSp-20220811-JDP08638
They give the trophy to the best soccer player (men and women) from college soccer based on voting. Cooper won ahead of Kobin Albert (midfielder) and Jenna Nighswonger (midfielder). Duke forward was a semifinalist for the award in 2021.
Cooper also won ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference, where Duke plays) Offensive Player of the Year in addition to the United Soccer Coaches First Team All-America honor. It will be interesting to see where Michelle Cooper plays this year and whether any club picks her in the draft or not.
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Let us know your thoughts on the NWSL draft and how Gotham City FC will fare this season.
