The NWSL Draft is always an encapsulating event, as the best and the brightest of the US college soccer system jostle for places in the pro game.
One club who can feel pleased with their draft night is Seb Hines‘ Orlando Pride.
The central Florida based club have done well out of the draft in recent years, with the likes of Taylor Kornieck, Marisa Viggiano and Courtney Petersen all having a positive effect on first team matters the season they were drafted.
The pick of the bunch from this year’s draft class, is undoubtedly no. 9 overall pick, Ally Lemos out of the University of California. The Pride’s other 3 picks were Cori Dyke out of Penn State, Alex Kerr from Texas Tech and Talia Gabarra out of the University of Central Florida.
It’s Lemos, naturally as the 9th overall pick, that will undoubtedly have Pride fans the most excited.
So, what can Orlando fans expect from Lemos? Let’s take a look.
What can she bring to the table?
The Glendora, California native was one of the most sought after midfielders in this year’s draft class. Lemos is a possession based midfielder, who is also something of a set piece expert.
She delivered the game tying goal in the 2022 NCAA Championship game. Lemos sent over an inswinging corner with the outside of her right boot (below).
Seb Hines wants his team to get better in possession of the ball, he wants them to use the ball more efficiently.
There’s no reason to believe why Lemos can’t come in and help the Pride improve in that area, right off the bat. Or, should I say, the boot.
An impressive college career
Lemos was a mainstay for the UCLA Bruins in 2023, clocking up 1,546 minutes across 19 appearances, scoring twice and registering 2 assists. In the process she earned All-Pac-12 and All-Pacific first-team honours, as well as being named to the Coaches’ Preseason Watchlist.
Lemos is an all action midfielder, who possesses a great range of passing. In addition, she’s something of a dead ball specialist. Hines will be hoping that she can bring more creativity and goals to a central midfield unit that only provided 1 assist and 2 goals last season. The now departed Mikayla Cluff being responsible for all 3.
It’s worth noting that the Pride recently added USWNT vet Morgan Gautrat to their roster, someone who will undoubtedly be a great role model to Lemos.
International recognition
Lemos has also earned international honours, featuring in the USYNT U20 group at the 2023 CONCACAF Championship in the Dominican Republic.
Lemos has been a regular feature on the USYNT scene, since first deputising for the U14 squad.
One thing that’s clear, after going over her stats and footage, is that she is a quality player. And at only 19-years of age (she turns 20 in May), she has her whole career ahead of her. She leaves UCLA in her Sophomore year (though she still intends to take classes and finish up her degree). This could be beneficial to her in the long run. She’ll have longer rubbing shoulders with the likes of Adriana and Marta. Which will only benefit her game.
Haley Carter
Pride GM Haley Carter spoke after the draft, outlining how the club had intended on bolstering its midfield options, as they look to end their 7-year play-off hiatus:
“We were in a really good position coming into the draft if you look at the recent moves we’ve made and how we were building our roster. This year is different than last year because we came in with a roster that we feel pretty confident in, so as we were making picks, we just wanted to add more quality. The great thing is this year there is a little less pressure on draft picks coming in to make an impact right away, as compared to last year. Looking at the positions of need, you can tell by last year and you can tell by recent signings that upgrading the quality of our midfield was a priority for us. Then, being able to add versatile players, we really like versatility in our players. [The strategy] was the best available, position of need and focusing on bolstering the depth of our midfield and looking at options in our attack.”
Seb Hines
Head coach Hines expects their college contingent to come in and have a immediate impact on the first team squad… “They’re going to be pivotal to us this year”, the former Middlesbrough and Orlando City defender told reporters after the draft.
Lemos herself is confident in her ability to deliver in a professional environment. Speaking after the draft, the midfielder said: “Honestly, I’ve always been me vs. me, a growth mindset… Each day is an opportunity to get better, for myself. So, I’ll just continue to work on myself, that’s what UCLA, my coaching staff, my family has implemented in me… So, I hope to continue that with Orlando.”
The extent of Lemos’ impact will become clear over the coming months. I, for one, cannot wait to see how it all pans out.
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