January 13, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Angel City FC News Release
Anaheim – Angel City Football Club (ACFC) today selected three picks in the 2024 NWSL Draft presented by Ally. The club chose midfielder Felicia Knox with the 37th overall pick. In the fourth round, the club traded $15,000 in allocation money to Utah Royals FC for the 44th overall pick, selecting midfielder Jessica Garziano. Lastly, with the 51st pick in the fourth round, ACFC chose Orange County-native defender Madison Curry to finish off their Draft selections.
Knox, originally from Kansas City, joins the club out of the University of Alabama, where she set multiple records for the program in single-season assists, single-season assists per game, and career assists. While competing for the Crimson Tide, Knox earned 18 goals and 31 assists in 87 match appearances. In 2023, she placed second in scoring in the Big East, notching 10 goals.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to go to a team that is willing to invest in me and my development, and Angel City is exactly that club,” stated Knox. “You can see how much the fans are invested in this club and I’m really eager to get started. I am their first pick of this Draft and so I am ready to come in and help the team in any way I can. New start, new adventure, and I am excited to get started with Angel City.”
In the past two seasons, she has won several awards including 2022 SEC Midfielder of the Year, 2022 All-American, First Team All-SEC, and 2022 Women’s College Cup All-Tournament Team. In 2023, Knox received a call-up to the U-23 US Women’s Youth National Team Domestic Camp, and served as captain for the US National Futsal Team in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
“Our first selection was a very exciting and intentional pick, as we wanted to choose a player that adds depth,” said Angela Hucles Mangano. “Felicia is very creative and consistent, which is definitely what we want out of our midfield play.”
Coming out of St. John’s University, ACFC selected midfielder Jessica Garziano after a trade with Utah Royals FC. While competing for the Red Storm, she earned 22 goals and 32 assists in 90 total matches. In 2022, Garziano earned selections to the All-Big East Second Team, United Soccer Coaches All-East Region Third Team, and United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-East Region Team.
“We’ve watched Jessica, and she is very suited for the NWSL,” stated ACFC First Assistant Coach Eleri Earnshaw. “Everyone has spoken so highly of her. Not…