Biggest NWSL trades of 2020
Disclaimer: In this article weâll only talk about trades, therefore signings such as Sam Kerr to Chelsea and Caitlin Foord to Arsenal wonât be covered.
NWSL trades happen for many reasons: a draft pick, allocation money or another player. As the 8th season of the league gets closer, letâs take a look on the biggest and most surprising trades of the 2020 season:
Emily Sonnett to the Orlando Pride
Shortly before the 2020 College Draft, rumors started showing that the Portland Thorns had traded a player for the Prideâs first pick, it was then rumored to be Emily Sonnett. They were right! The American defender was welcomed by the Pride along with her fellow Thorn Caitlin Foord, who later announced she would play in Arsenal. This was definitely one of the most surprising trades especially considering Sonnett is one of the most beloved players in the league, and made many fans question if the draft pick was really that worth it. Check out the âPortland Thorns: Did they make the right decision?â article to read more about the teamâs choice!
Kealia Ohai to the Chicago Red Stars
After six years with the Houston Dash, the forward and captain of the team, Kealia Ohai, was traded to the Chicago Red Stars. In exchange for Ohai, the Dash received defender Katie Naughton and the 18th pick in the 2020 College Draft. Ohai thanked Houston for everything and seems to be very excited about her new life in Chicago!
Becky Sauerbrunn to the Portland Thorns
Houston was not the only team that lost a captain this year. Recently, the Utah Royals made the unexpected announcement that the two times world champion defender Becky Sauerbrunn was being traded to Portland. The Thorns fans had been really unsure about the teamâs future after losing one of their best defenders, but with Becky joining them, itâs fair to say thereâs nothing to worry about! Utah has already announced that forward Amy Rodriguez will wear the captain armband this season.
Mal Pugh to Sky Blue
In exchange for the 4th, 13th and 17th overall selections in the 2020 College Draft along with the 1st pick in the 2021 Draft, the Washington Spirit traded 21 year old forward Mallory Pugh to Sky Blue FC. During her three seasons with the Spirit, Pugh proved to be essential for the team! Pugh is also an USWNT player, world champion and the youngest player to ever score for the United States in the Olympics. After their terrible season in 2019, Sky Blue seeks victories in 2020.
Sofia Huerta to OL Reign
Huerta was one of Houstonâs biggest names, with five goals and four assists last year. The Dash will receive forward Shea Groom, defender Megan Oyster and a conditional second round pick in the 2022 College Draft in exchange for both Huerta and defender Amber Brooks. Huerta will likely join Megan Rapinoe and Jodie Taylor in OL Reignâs, formerly known as Reign FC, frontline! That being said, the teamâs already strong roster that made it to last yearâs semi finals will be an even bigger threat this year.
Writer: Isabella @ holypugh on Twitter
Editor: Sarah @ damn_danver on Twitter













