NWSL: Portland Thorns Sign Draft Picks Duo As Janine Beckie To Miss World Cup
March 1 2023; Portland, OR, USA; Thorns Media Day at Providence Park. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer-Portland Thorns
Written by Oluwaseun Oyediji
Portland Thorns FC have signed two of their 2023 NWSL Draft picks.
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Forward Izzy D’Aquila signed a three-year contract with an option for 2026, while goalkeeper Lauren Kozal signed a one-year contract with an option for the 2024 season.
D’Aquila, 21, was selected by Thorns FC in the first round of the 2023 NWSL Draft (No. 12th overall) out of Santa Clara University.
A national champion in 2020, D’Aquila concluded her collegiate career with 50 goals and 16 assists in 78 games played for the Broncos.
As a senior, D’Aquila finished with 19 goals – the second most in the country. She wrapped up a decorated career with second-team All-America honors, first-team All-Region recognition, and first-team All-WCC honors for a third consecutive season.
Kozal, 22, was drafted by Portland in the third round of the 2023 NWSL Draft (32nd overall) out of Michigan State University. Kozal was the Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year and an All-American pick in each of her final two seasons at Michigan State.
She finished her career with a 0.78 save percentage, 227 saves, and a 1.10 goals-against average in 70 appearances.
As a senior, Kozal registered 10 shutouts with a 0.68 goals-against average, posting a record of 17-3-3.
Thorns FC will open the 2023 season at Providence Park against the Orlando Pride on Sunday, March 26.
Meanwhile…
Forward Janine Beckie is to miss the remainder of the 2023 season and the FIFA Women’s World Cup with a knee injury.
Read Also – Top 10 All-Time Moments Of FIFA Women’s World Cup
Portland Thorns FC forward Janine Beckie will miss the remainder of the 2023 season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee.
Beckie will have surgery in the coming weeks to repair the injury and will conduct her rehabilitation with Thorns FC sports medicine staff at Providence Park and the Providence Sports Care Center.
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