3 Aggie Soccer Players Selected in NWSL Draft

On the heels of the best season in Texas A&M Soccer history, 3 Aggie seniors were selected in this morning's NWSL (National Women's Soccer League) Draft. Several other A&M players still have a chance to be picked up by a team as undrafted free agents, as well. Let's take a look at the players drafted today and their A&M careers, and also quickly see what other players might be selected by NWSL teams now or later on. It's worth remembering that with the Women's World Cup this year, many NWSL teams will have their depth tested and a number of college seniors may have more chances than usual to prove themselves at the next level.

Shea Groom (M/F) - 2nd Round (12th overall), FC Kansas City

The Aggies were led in their run to the College Cup in 2014 by All-American Shea Groom, who finished her A&M career with the sixth most goals (41) and points (107) in school history. Shea was a semifinalist for the Hermann Trophy award in 2014, scoring 15 goals - including 7 game winners - and adding 7 assists in helping A&M reach the College Cup for the first time in school history. Shea played the entire season as an attacking midfielder in Coach G's 4-3-3 lineup, but she can play as an outside forward as well. Kansas City, the defending NWSL Champions, aren't lacking in attacking options, but with the World Cup this summer Shea should have a great chance to get valuable minutes this season. Shea, from Liberty, Missouri, is sure to be thrilled to be selected by essentially her hometown team.

Meghan Streight (D/M) - 2nd Round (16th Overall), FC Kansas City

Another All-American and A&M's co-captain along with Groom, Meghan Streight began her career in the maroon and white as a defensive midfielder but made a flawless transition to the center back position. Streight anchored the Aggies' back line and played a team-high 2,447 minutes in 2014, partnering with a true freshman at center back for much of the year. Although she is only 5'5", Streight is very good in the air, but that height may result in her being moved back into a defensive midfield role at the professional level. Kansas City grabbed another Aggie just 4 picks after taking Shea, making the Aggie co-captains teammates at the professional level. It will be interesting to see how KC plans to use Streight - they need more help defensively than in the midfield, so she may get a look at playing in the back line as she has done recently for A&M.

Bianca Brinson (F) - 3rd Round (24th overall), Boston Breakers

If there's one thing you really can't teach it would be pure speed, and Brinson certainly has that. She had a breakout season in her senior year in 2014, scoring 10 goals and adding 9 assists (both career highs), and she scored a number of massive goals for the Aggies down the stretch, even earning SEC Tournament MVP honors. It was a lot of fun watching Brinson make such strides this year, and it definitely paid off for her with the 3rd round selection. Given the number of forwards that the Breakers have on their roster, this pick was a little bit surprising, but quantity does not necessarily mean quality so Brinson has a chance to go in and impress in Boston.

Potential Undrafted Free Agents

Kelley Monogue (M/F) - Monogue ranks fifth all-time in A&M history with 53 goals, including 13 game winners, and 130 points. She played in 100 games in her career in the maroon and white, and can lineup in the midfield or up top. Monogue's history with knee injuries likely prevented her from being taken in the draft, but if she can stay healthy she absolutely has the talent to be picked up by a team and be successful in the league.

Jordan Day (GK) - After missing a good portion of the 2014 season due to injury, Jordan Day returned down the stretch and played a massive role in A&M's run through the postseason and to the College Cup. I could easily make the argument that Day was the Aggies' MVP throughout the NCAA Tournament, and she proved that her shot stopping abilities are good enough to play at the next level. Day finished her A&M career with the third most wins (59) in school history, and she is tied for the A&M record in career shutouts with 32. I was a little surprised to not see Jordan taken in the draft - perhaps teams discounted her due to injury this season - but there's always the possibility of being signed by a team in need of a 'keeper.

Allie Bailey (F) - Logging the most minutes of any non-defender for the Aggies in 2014, Bailey had career highs in goals (10) and points (25) for A&M this season. Bailey is one of those forwards who has a knack for getting herself in the right place at the right time to put the ball in the net, and her work ethic is second to none. I would love to see Allie get a chance as a free agent for a team in need of a goal scorer.