2018 NWSL Draft Prospects: Nos. 31-40

2018 NWSL Draft Prospects: Nos. 31-40
by Travis Clark
January 17, 2018

The 2018 NWSL Draft takes place on Thursday, January 18. TDS released its Top 40 prospects that have declared for the draft.

Below are players 31-40.

Nos. 1-10 | Nos. 11-20 | Nos. 21-30

31. D Brittany Basinger, Penn State

Career Stats: 95 games – 5 g – 9 a – 7,038 min

While it might not have been a glittering, decorated college career one might’ve expected when the U.S. youth international joined Penn State, Brittany Basinger still put together a memorable four years in State College. Mainly a left back, her minutes tailed off last season and she came in off the bench battling for minutes with Ellie Jean. If Basinger can stay healthy and consistent, she’ll be a savvy pick later in the draft.

32. M/F Kayla Adamek, UCF

Career Stats: 77 games – 26 g – 3 a – 5,321 min

Another goal-scorer that finished strong in her final season in college, Adamek is one of a handful of UCF products seeking to make the jump successfully. Injuries have limited her in a couple of seasons, as she sat out all of 2014 and missed a chunk of 2016. However, when she’s on the field, the midfielder’s been a menace in front of goal, and can certainly make it work in the right system.

33. M Joanna Boyles, North Carolina

Career Stats: 84 games – 14 g – 5 a – 4,637 min

Two ACL injuries leave Boyles low on the board, as her mobility on the field is a big question mark heading into the draft. Lethal on set pieces, her fortune on draft day (and beyond) will be fascinating. There's no doubting that she's a tremendously talented player, but it's a question of where she can play in NWSL if her past injuries continue to limit her.

34. GK Lauren Clem, Northwestern

Career Stats: 89 games – 8,355 min – 358 saves – 48 shutouts

A late-round potential pick with plenty of ability, Clem’s been a huge part of a stout Northwestern defense during her tenure at the Big Ten program. Listed at 6 feet tall, she has the size to become a pro goalkeeper and if she can make that translate, she could stick around and slot in as a backup in 2018.

35. F Maddy Williams, Purdue

Career Stats: 74 games – 38 g – 26 a – 5,553 min

Is Williams a one-hit wonder or on the cusp of something big? The 5-foot-8 center forward rebounded in a huge way after suffering a season-ending injury at the end of the spring season in 2016. If last fall is the kind of player that NWSL teams will get this year, look for Williams to have a surprising impact this season.

36. F Jermaine Seoposenwe, Samford

Career Stats: 80 games – 39 g – 39 a – 5,683 min

One of the more highly regarded prospects from a smaller school, Seoposenwe is an extremely interesting case. A native of South Africa, she will obviously have question marks about getting picked simply because she will occupy an international roster slot. Samford’s had a sensational past four seasons with her leading the line, and she’s already lined up against the full USWNT – not looking out of place. She does turn 25 this year, which could have teams a bit leery if they question how soon she can contribute in the final third. Either way, an intriguing player to note for Thursday.

37. F Martha Thomas, Charlotte

Career Stats: 78 games – 47 g – 26 a – 6,294 min

One of the most consistent and dominant goal scorers of the past few seasons, Thomas is another mid-major attacking player that will look to get an opportunity and make the most of it. Naturally questions about how her ability to score against better teams and defenders are likely to dog her, though her collegiate accomplishments could vault her into the later rounds. She hit double-digits all four seasons with the 49ers, and at the very least, warrants an invite to a preseason camp.

38. F Alex Anthony, USC

Career Stats (USC): 43 games – 18 g – 7 a – 2,556 min

After transferring to USC from Maryland, Anthony excelled in two seasons in the Pac-12. Whether or not she has the kind of high-end athleticism to make it work in the NWSL is a big question, though her frame and ability to play with her back to goal are slightly rare when looking at the forward crop. Given her accomplishments at a relatively high level, she’s going to earn a look, whether as a third or fourth round pick or an invite to camp.

39. D Rachel Bloznalis, Boston University

Career Stats: 82 games – 5 g – 7 a – 4,190 min

The two-time Patriot League Defender of the Year is a solid sleeper candidate in central defense. Despite an injury-hit start to her college career, Bloznalis has finished strong, marshalling BU’s back line over the past three seasons and providing the kind of leadership and intangibles coaching staffs could take a flier on in the later rounds of the draft.

40. D Vanessa Gilles, Cincinnati

Career Stats: 82 games – 17 g – 2 a – 7,426 min

The Canadian was the beating heart of Cincinnati’s defense the past four seasons, and she’s a quality prospect that could end up being on the outside looking in due to her citizenship status in the context of NWSL rules. Tough and tenacious in the tackle, another element to consider is simply the lack of teams that are looking for center backs are few and far between. A move abroad could be on the cards – and fully beneficial to Gilles.

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