NEW YORK – The Penn State women’s soccer program landed 18 alumnae on nine different National Women’s Soccer League opening day rosters, the organization announced ahead of its 2024 season kickoff on Saturday, March 16. All five Nittany Lion selections from the 2024 draft class were signed to contracts with their respective clubs after preseason camp.
Portland Thorns FC leads the league in signed Nittany Lions with four, as USWNT star Sam Coffey headlines the group entering her third season with the organization. Irish Senior Women’s National Team performer Marissa Sheva picked up a replacement contract with Portland, while 2024 PSU draftees Payton Linnehan and Katherine Asman both secured positions with the Thorns after being selected in this year’s draft. Linnehan was PSU’s second selection in the first round, coming off the board with the 11th overall pick, while Asman was selected with the 11th pick of the third round. Both rookies secured roster spots as announced by the club earlier this month.
The Chicago Red Stars, led by team captain and USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, return to competition in the 2024 campaign with a trio of Nittany Lions on the squad. Naeher leads the group, with 2022 draftees Penelope Hocking and Ally Schlegel continuing their professional careers with the club this year. The Kansas City Current also boast a trio of Nittany Lions, with Elizabeth Ball and Mallory Weber returning to the squad. NWSL draft choice Ellie Wheeler will make her professional debut with the club in 2024, earning a roster spot after being taken fourth in the second round.
A pair of Nittany Lions garnered placements on team rosters with the Orlando Pride and Utah Royals FC, with Kerry Abello and 2024 draftee Cori Dyke beginning the season in Central Florida. Dyke was taken with the eighth pick of the second round and will look to bolster a talented Pride squad this year. Expansion franchise Utah Royals FC welcome a pair of PSU stars for their inaugural season in 2024, with Kaleigh Riehl and Frankie Tagliaferri kicking things off in Salt Lake City.
Four additional Penn Staters will appear on four different rosters this season, highlighted by Angel City FC’s acquisition of Nittany Lion legend and 2015 MAC Hermann Trophy winner Raquel…
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