Portland Thorns FC have finally traded themselves out of the 2015 draft and they have a local player to show for it. The Thorns acquired former University of Portland standout Kendall Johnson on Wednesday in exchange for the 25th and 34th picks in Friday’s draft. Johnson started all 22 matches for Sky Blue in 2013 but gradually lost playing time last season. Before that the Portland native started three seasons–excluding 2011 when she was injured–at Portland. Johnson spent the winter with Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia.
“Kendall is a great local product who is a proven starter in the league,” Thorns coach Paul Riley said. “She is quick, delivers excellent passes from the flanks and has the ability to play both sides of the ball. We expect our fullbacks to be a major focal point of our attack and she fits that mold.”
The Thorns now have no picks remaining Friday and will have to make another trade to select a player. Sky Blue now holds six picks including the No. 2 overall spot behind the Houston Dash. Additionally, The Equalizer has learned that Sky Blue now holds the right to exchange 1st round picks with the Thorns in 2016.
