CHICAGO -- With almost half of the picks in the first round of the National Women’s Soccer League draft Thursday, the Washington Spirit and new Coach Richie Burke claimed four players from the U.S. under-23 national team, including a defender who debuted with the world champion senior squad last year.
The quartet will join a Spirit roster already featuring three of American soccer’s top young players: Mallory Pugh, Rose Lavelle and Andi Sullivan.
The newcomers are Stanford midfielder Jordan DiBiasi (selected No. 3 overall); Clemson defender Samantha Staab (fourth); Stanford defender Tegan McGrady (seventh); and North Carolina midfielder Dorian Bailey (eighth).