CHICAGO, IL–The Chicago Red Stars had three first-round draft picks in the 2021 NWSL Draft, but now they swapped two of them, the fourth and eighth picks, to Sky Blue FC in exchange for forward Mallory Pugh and midfielder Sarah Killion Woldmoe. Sky Blue also get a conditional first round pick for the 2022 NWSL Draft and international slots in 2021 and 2022.
“We are excited to welcome Mallory and Sarah to the Chicago Red Stars family,” said Red Stars Head Coach Rory Dames. “They are both talented, experienced players of character. I’m confident they’ll fit in well with the group and will help our continued evolution.”
Pugh, 22, has made 63 senior appearances for the United States Women’s National Team, with 13 goals and 17 assists for her country. She made her National Team debut at age 17 in January 2016 and became the youngest player to score for the USA in the 2016 Rio Olympics a few months later. Pugh was also selected to the roster for the 2019 FIFA World Cup. She made three appearances and scored a goal en route to her first World Cup trophy. She joins Chicago teammates Julie Ertz, Alyssa Naeher, Morgan Gautrat, and Tierna Davidson as members of the 2019 roster. Pugh has 41 NWSL appearances (forty with Washington Spirit), scoring 10 goals and four assists.
“I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to play for the Chicago Red Stars,” said Pugh. “The team has so many great players, including some of my USWNT teammates, and I can’t wait to join them and work hard to help the club bring home a championship. A huge thanks to the ownership and Coach Rory Dames for making this happen. I’ll see you all in the Windy City soon.”
Woldmoe was selected second overall by Sky Blue FC in the 2015 NWSL Draft. She has made 116 NWSL appearances and has 11 goals and nine assists in her career. She played all six games for Sky Blue FC in the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup and all four games during the NWSL Fall Series. She was a member of the U.S U-20 World Cup team that won the tournament in 2012 along with Chicago teammates Julie Ertz, Morgan Gautrat, Vanessa DiBernardo, and Kealia Watt.
“I am so excited to be a part of the Chicago Red Stars,” said Woldmoe. “I’ve always admired the style of soccer and world-class talent on this team. I cannot wait to be in a training environment with them every day. I want to thank Chicago for this opportunity, and I look forward to getting to know the city and fans. Let’s go Red Stars!”
The Red Stars still maintain the #6 overall pick in January’s NWSL Draft on January 13th which was acquired via a trade in 2018 with the Utah Royals now the new Kansas City club.
