January 12, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Utah Royals News Release
ANAHEIM, CALIF. / SANDY, UTAH – Utah Royals FC tonight selected seven new players at the 2024 NWSL Draft, presented by Ally, during the United Soccer Coaches Convention at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif. Led by Head Coach Amy Rodriguez and Sporting Director Kelly Cousins, supported by President Michelle Hyncik, Director of Talent, Strategy & Development Mirelle Van Rijbroek and Recruitment Analyst Caterina De Bacco, Utah Royals FC now boasts a 24-player roster as preseason kicks off later this month.
The URFC braintrust selected North Carolina Tar Heel and current U.S.A. U-20 FW Ally Sentnor first overall, while ensuring that Sandy, Utah native FW Brecken Mozingo – raised in the shadow of America First Field and a former Alta High School star – stayed home following her collegiate career at Brigham Young University. Cougar firebrand Mozingo was taken fourth overall, completing the expansion side’s first-round selections.
Utah opened the second round by tapping into the promise shown from Florida State DF Lauren Flynn, as the NCAA powerhouse recently ended BYU’s 2023 Final Four run. The very active second round also saw Royals FC select Eagle, Idaho native Olivia Smith-Griffitts – the second BYU selection of the night and the fifth former Cougar to land on Utah’s NWSL roster – as well as Wisconsin M/F Emma Jaskaniec. Utah also traded the No. 21 overall pick to Houston Dynamo in exchange for $120,000 in Allocation Money.
The third round found the Royals bolstering depth with a pair of international players who have enjoyed great NCAA success, as Canadian D/M Zoe Burns became the first former University of Southern California Trojan to reunite with former assistant Rodriguez, while Puerto Rican GK Cristina Roque added additional Seminole championship flair and pedigree to the inaugural URFC roster.
Utah traded the 44th overall pick to Angel City in exchange for $15,000 in Allocation Money.
CHAMPION SEMINOLES: Flynn and Roque will rejoin forces in Salt Lake City, Utah, this season as both players were selected by Utah Royals FC, entering its first season in the NWSL. Flynn was picked with the second pick in the second round (16th pick overall) to give FSU their second draftee of the night. Flynn played in 79 games while making 70 starts for the Seminoles over the course of her career. Flynn ended her career with seven goals and three assists, five of those…