Five Women's Soccer Players Selected In NWSL Draft

BALTIMORE - Five Pac-12 women's soccer players were selected in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) College Draft on Friday. CALIFORNIA's defender Samantha Witteman was selected in the first round while ARIZONA STATE's Cali Farquharson was chosen in the second round. Fellow Sun Devil McKenzie Berryhill was chosen in the third round along with STANFORD defender Laura Liedle. In the final pick of the fourth round, UTAH goalkeeper Lindsey Luke was selected.

Witteman (Redondo Beach, Calif.) was selected with the 10th pick in the first round by the Orlando Pride. She earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors during her senior campaign and was a third-team NSCAA All-American. Although she was a defender, Witteman scored four goals during the 2015 season, all of which were game-winning goals. She also dished out three assists.

Farquharson (Phoenix, Ariz.) was the second pick of the second round by the Washington Spirit. She concluded her Sun Devil career at No. 2 on the school’s all-time list in career goals (44) and career points (102) and tied for second in career game winning goals (13). She's also the only Sun Devil soccer player to account for double-digit goal totals all four years of her career – 10/10/14/10. Farquharson earned NSCAA All-Region and All-Pac-12 honors three times during her career.

Berryhill (Phoenix, Ariz.) was taken by the Portland Thorns with the first pick of the third round. The Sun Devil defender started 65 of her 76 career matches and was a vital part of the ASU back four. She earned All-Pac-12 honors and NSCAA All-Region accolades in 2013 and 2014. For the 2015 season, Berryhill scored three goals and supplied three assists.

Liedle (San Diego, Calif.) was the fourth pick of the third round by the Western New York Flash. Liedle started 92 of a possible 93 games during her collegiate career. She dished 13 assists over the course of her four seasons including four during the 2015 campaign. Liedle and her Cardinal teammates made trips to the College Cup in 2012 and 2014 and posted a record of 75-13-6 (.830) during her career.

Luke (Corona Del Mar, Calif.) was chosen by Seattle Reign FC with the tenth pick of the fourth round. Luke earned seven Pac-12 weekly accolades during her career, accounting for all but two of Utah's nine all-time honors. She played in 74 matches for the Utes and registered 367 saves and 25 shutouts for her career. Her nine shutouts in 2013 are a school record. She earned Pac-12 All-Freshman team honors and was a second-team All-Pac-12 honoree in 2013. She also earned NSCAA All-Region accolades in 2013 as well.

For the full draft results, click here.