2018 NWSL Draft: Orlando Pride Select BYU Forward Nadia Gomes

With the 23rd pick in the 2018 NWSL College Draft, the Orlando Pride selected Nadia Gomes, a forward from Brigham Young University. 

Gomes is a dual national who holds citizenship with both the United States and Portugal, though she was born in the latter country. She has played internationally with the Portuguese U-19 women’s team.

“The women’s league is huge and I’m excited to play here,” Gomes said while coming off the draft stage in Philadelphia. “I’m really excited to learn from them (Alex Morgan and Marta) and play with them.”

Gomes has played all four years at BYU totaling 23 goals and 23 assists in 83 games (62 starts), and amassing close to 5,000 minutes in college. She’s known for her explosive speed and left foot. She has received various honors during her collegiate career, including NSCAA All-America Third Team in 2015, WCC Player of the Year in 2015, All-WCC Second Team in 2016, All-WCC Preseason Team in 2017, All-WCC Honorable Mention in 2017, WCC Player of the Week, and MAC Hermann Trophy preseason candidate in 2017.

Even though Gomes was a forward in college, she has the potential to shift to a wingback or fullback spot, which might be better suited for her abilities. With her left foot, it is very likely she could be competing at left back or left wing for the pride.

Unless there is a trade, the Pride are done selecting for the day, as Orlando entered this draft with only a third-rounder.

Here are some of her highlights: