Team reveals list of protected players

With the NWSL expansion draft set to commence on Thursday, the Orlando Pride released on Friday their list of protected and unprotected players who will be available for selection for incoming 2022 teams Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC.

The players who will not be available for selection include forwards Alex Morgan, Marta and Sydney Leroux. Taylor Kornieck, Phoebe McClernon, Courtney Petersen, Amy Turner and Viviana Villcorta are also included in the protected player list.

BYU midfielder Mikayla Colohan is listed as a college-protected player.

Among those not protected for the expansion draft: Kerry Abello (College Protected Player); Kaylie

Collins, Megan Dougherty Howard, Gunnhildur Jonsdottir, Abi Kim, Carrie Lawrence, Toni Pressley, Ali Riley, Parker Roberts, Kylie Strom, Erika Tymrak, Marisa Viggiano,Chelsee Washington, Brittany Wilson.

Despite having left the Pride before the start of the 2021 season, Orlando still holds the rights to Claire Emslie and Camila, both of whose rights will be available in the draft.

De facto Pride starting goalkeeper Erin McCleod will also be left unprotected.

The remaining players left exposed for the selection: Joanna Fennema (playing rights), Caitlin Farrell (playing rights), Jade Moore (England international), Emily Van Egmond (playing rights) and Shelina Zadorsky (playing rights).

What does this mean for the Pride players left unprotected for the draft? Orlando can expect to lose no more than two players during the draft. S

an Diego and Los Angeles each will have three minutes to make each of its nine selections. The expansion draft will be carried on Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. on CBS Sports Network and will also stream live on Paramount+.