In Surprising Move, Spirit Trade Pugh for Draft Picks

In a surprising move, the Washington Spirit have traded Mallory Pugh – a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) – to Sky Blue FC who play in Harrison, New Jersey. Pugh, 21, was considered one of the team’s marquee players but had not yet fulfilled her potential. In exchange for Pugh, the Spirit received four draft picks (one first round pick and two second round picks this year and one first round pick in 2021). Pugh scored 10 goals in three seasons with the Spirit including six in 2019.

With the first round pick obtained from Sky Blue, the Spirit selected Ashley Sanchez, 20, from UCLA. Sanchez is considered a rising star.

Not long after the trade, the Washington Spirit tweeted out a thank you to Pugh.

Thank you @MalPugh for everything you have done for the club and this city. Best of luck with @SkyBlueFC pic.twitter.com/6NKSE5Q7ie

— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) January 16, 2020

About Joe Yasharoff

Joe Yasharoff is MCM's Director of Content and Operations. He is also an adjunct journalism professor at the University of Maryland. Previously, Joe was the Managing Editor at NBC Sports Washington and Executive Sports Producer at FOX5 (WTTG-TV). He hosts the MoCo's Most Famous podcast for MCM.

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