Area Players Set for NWSL Season, Including Rookie Trio

As soccer in the United States begins to get under way at the professional levels, several area players will take the pitch beginning Saturday in the National Women's Soccer League's Challenge Cup in Utah, a month-long event that will serve as a replacement for the 2020 season.

Among the rosters of the eight teams participating (Orlando withdrew due to a COVID-19 outbreak a week prior) are Sofia Huerta, Kelcie Hedge, Morgan Weaver and Averie Collins.

Huerta, Setterlund chosen by Chicago in NWSL draft

Boise native Sofia Huerta was chosen 11th overall Friday morning at the third annual National Women's Soccer League Draft in Philadelphia by the Chicago Red Stars, who later also selected Washington State University's Nicole Setterlund in the third round.

Huerta, a US and Mexican youth international, was the second choice in the second round of the draft and was the fourth of seven taken overall by Chicago in the four-round, nine-team draft. With their sixth selection, the Red Stars wrapped up the third round, 27th pick, with Setterlund (Surrey, BC), a Canadian youth international.

Five area players on NWSL draft list; Spokane's Ramos on radar ahead of MLS SuperDraft

The National Women's Soccer League released its initial list of eligible player for its third annual draft to be held Friday, January 16 during the NSCAA Convention at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Preceding the NWSL draft, Major League Soccer will conduct the first two rounds of the SuperDraft on Thursday.

Among the NWSL list are five players from the region, four combined from Boise State, Eastern Washington and Washington state along with Boise native Sofia Huerta. Additional players may join the list as registration for the draft is still open, closing on Wednesday. Whitworth University and Spokane Shadow standout Mike Ramos has grabbed the attention of several MLS clubs, and is expected to sign professionally for 2015 be it in the top flight or lower divisions.

Tournament Updates: INW players lead Concordia in title quests

Thanksgiving has come on gone and only a handful of players from around the region are thankful for still being alive for a national championship as both Concordia sides face a four-game week for the NAIA championships in Alabama.

College Recap - WCC & PAC-12: Cougars top Huskies, hope for NCAA spot

The Gonzaga women wrapped up their campaign with a thumping of nearby rival Eastern Washington in a non-conference match-up while Washington State continued its run of dominance over state rival Washington, hoping that an NCAA tournament berth is in the future with a 12-6-1 overall record. 

College Recap - WCC & PAC-12: Rough week for Gonzaga, WSU sweeps Oregon duo

The Gonzaga women wrapped up their final homestand with a split, blanking Loyola Marymount and falling narrowly to Pepperdine. The Bulldog men were winless on their trip to California. Washington State heads into the state derby on the heels of a pair of victories over their Oregon neighbors.

Week 5 Collegiate INW Best XI – Women

For games through Sunday, September 16. Next week a new feature will debut, giving you an opportunity to select the Players of the Week via Facebook.

INWsoccernews.com WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE WEEK

F - Cassie Black (Battle Ground, WA) – Eastern Washington :: It was difficult to choose over Montignani’s pair of hat-tricks, but Black was crucial against two quality opponents. She struck for a goal and an assist as the Eagles defeated the University of Idaho Friday and tallied the game-winner in a 2-1 victory against the University of Hawaii Sunday.