Australian forward Sam Kerr is headed to Sky Blue FC in the latest trade made by the Western New York Flash. In exchange for Kerr’s rights, the Flash receive the No. 4 overall pick in January’s NWSL College Draft as well as the rights to midfielder Elizabeth Eddy.
Western New York now owns four of the top seven picks in the 2015 draft: third, fourth, sixth and seventh. But that comes at the price of one of the Flash’s best players, Kerr, who scored nine goals and added four assists in 2014.
“Parting ways with Sam was a tough decision, but what it came down to was making the best business decision for the club,” Flash general manager and head coach Aaran Lines said. “We view this deal as a 3-for-1. We are now bringing in a player in Elizabeth Eddy, who I think very highly of, the fourth overall pick in the draft and the ability to sign an international player.”
Earlier this fall the Flash traded top player Carli Lloyd to Houston, then sent defender Katherine Reynolds and midfielder Angela Salem to Washington and Amy Barczuk to Boston. Most recently the Flash sent former captain McCall Zerboni and defender Kathryn Williamson to Portland for midfielder Amber Brooks and swapped goalkeepers with Washington.
Kerr, 21, will miss a significant part of the 2014 season with Australia for the World Cup and preparations. Kerr is currently playing for Perth Glory in the Australian W-League. Her Matildas teammate and friend Caitlin Foord played with Sky Blue FC in 2013 and 2014, and the two wanted to play on the same team in 2015, sources say.
“This is a huge acquisition for Sky Blue FC,” Sky Blue FC head coach Jim Gabarra said. “Sam is one of the most promising young players in the world and has been at the top of our list of players we have attempted to acquire. She has great pace combined with incredible and versatile attacking qualities that make her one of the elite forwards in our league.”
Sky Blue FC still holds the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft.
Eddy, 23, was selected in the fourth round (No. 33 overall) of the 2014 NWSL College Draft by Sky Blue FC. She played with the LA Blues (formerly Pali) from 2010-14.