By: Thomas Dick
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Texas A&M seniors Addie McCain and Jimena Lopez were selected in the 2021 National Women’s Soccer League Draft on Wednesday evening.
McCain was selected by Kansas City in the second round with the 17th overall pick. Lopez was snatched up by OL Reign in the third round with the 28th overall pick.
The duo is coming off a stellar 2020 fall with McCain earning SEC Midfielder of the Year distinction while Lopez landed recognition as SEC Co-Defender of the Year. They were key cogs in a fall campaign that resulted in an 8-2-0 mark and a share of the school’s third SEC regular-season title.
McCain shined in a star-studded Texas A&M midfield this season, sharing the Aggies’ lead with five goals and ranking second with 12 points. The Wylie, Texas, native picked up her second All-SEC honor, adding to last year’s second-team plaque. The four-year starter in the midfield has 48 career points on 16 goals and 16 assists.
The versatile Lopez was last year’s SEC Midfielder of the Year. She earned All-SEC First Team for the second time. Lopez leads the Aggies and ranks second in the SEC with four assists. The Mexico City native has added three goals. Lopez’s career numbers include 59 points on 18 goals and 23 assists in 71 matches.
Kansas City is a new franchise in the NWSL, which was formed after Utah Royals FC ceased operations in December. The team will play under the temporary name “KC NWSL” this season before establishing a permanent team name. OL Reign is the home of former A&M standouts Cosette Morché and Ally Watt who both landed on the Seattle-based squad this offseason. The Maroon & White boast three other players in the NWSL, including Shea Groom (Houston Dash), Alyssa Mautz (Chicago Red Stars) and Merritt Mathias (NC Courage).
Story courtesy of Texas A&M Athletics