While there was no surprise when the Portland Thorns picked Emily Sonnett with the first overall pick in the 2016 NWSL College Draft, things took a surprising turn minutes later when the Thorns traded away their third overall pick to the Boston Breakers in exchange for the top spot in the newly announced allocation order.
Sonnett, 22, will be a day one starter at center back for the Thorns. After an outstanding college career with the University of Virginia, Sonnett has already been called in to the United States Women's National Team -- she was actually with the team in their January camp today -- and is highly regarded as a center back for the future.