Seattle Reign FC has selected two players in the 2018 National Women’s Soccer League College Draft: Ally Haran and Celia Jimenez Delgado.
Reign FC received the 25th overall pick along with defender Yael Averbuch from Utah Royals FC in exchange for midfielder Diana Matheson. Seattle selected Haran with that pick. During her four years at Wake Forest University, Haran was team captain for two years and started in 66 of her 67 matches with the Demon Deacons.
In her career for the Deacons, Haran led a backline that posted 28 shutouts, with 11 coming in her senior season. Haran also totaled four goals and three assists in her career. Internationally, Haran has participated in two U.S. U-20 National Team camps.
“One thing that caught my eye with Ally very early into the evaluation process was the fact that she is very good on the ball, very composed,” said Seattle Reign FC head coach Vlatko Andonovski. “She’s very creative and I think she will fit well into the style of play that we have.”
Delgado was selected with the 36th overall pick of the fourth round. The University of Alabama senior finished her collegiate career with 3 goals and 6 assists in 20 appearances her senior season.
The Alcaudete, Spain native played in the 2015 Women’s World Cup with Spain, the country’s first ever World Cup appearance. Delgado started in all three matches and has represented Spain on every youth national team since age 14.
“Celia is one of the players with probably the most potential in this draft,” said Andonovski. “She’s young and at the same time experienced. She’s used to playing under pressure, playing big games, and we expect to be in big games at the end of the season so we may need her.”
