Friday, January 5, 2018

Espinoza, Bryant Headed to NPSL Showcase; Williams & Maryskova Added to NWSL Draft List


Eric Espinoza of the Spokane Shadow / Whitworth University and Michael Bryant of Northwest Nazarene University / Orange County FC were among the 17 players named to the West Region team for the upcoming National Premier Soccer League Player Showcase. Also, the National Women's Soccer League announced that among their additions to the preliminary draft list were Chloe Williams of Eastern Washington and Anita Maryskova of Northwest Nazarene.

The fourth annual NPSL Showcase will be held January 13-15 at Austin-Tindall Park in Kissimee, Florida in advance of the United Soccer Coaches Convention. The MLS Player Combine is also being held in nearby Orlando January 11-17 with the draft on January 19 at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Philadelphia.


West Region Showcase Team - NW Area Players 

Michael Bryant, Midfielder - Orange County FC / Northwest Nazarene Univ.
Eric Espinoza, Midfielder - Spokane Shadow / Whitworth University
Gabe Kellum, Forward - OSA FC / Seattle Pacific University
Gustavo Torres Barrios, Defender / PDX FC - Clark College
Geovanny Vazquez, Defender - FCM Portland / Warner Pacific College
Brody Voge, Def / Mid - FCM Portland / Clark College



On Thursday, the NWSL re-released their preliminary draft list with the additions that have been made over the past few weeks since the initial list was released in mid-December. The list is still open to additions prior to the draft being held January 18 at the USC Convention in Philly.

New to the list from the region are Spokane native Chloe Williams, the standout Eastern Washington University striker from the Big Sky Conference that is the only player in league history to be named Offensive MVP three consecutive times. She finished her career with 109 points and 44 goals, which are Big Sky Conference and Eastern Washington records. She also had 21 career assists which places her in a tie for fifth all-time in the Big Sky record books and first in EWU history. She was also invited to the U23 Women's National Team camp last April.

Anita Maryskova is a surprise addition to the list from the D2 Nighthawks. The former Czech Republic U19 international joined NNU for her final season of eligibility after graduating from fellow D2 school Brevard College (NC). The midfielder, who tallied five assists, helped guide a significant turnaround for the program which went from 2-10 last year in the conference to 8-4 this season.

Other Players from the NW Added

Kimberly Keever - F/M - College: University of Washington
Sierra Shugarts - D - College: Western Washington University / Hometown: Federal Way, WA

More NWSL College Draft information, including how players can register for the draft can be Found Here [+]  

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