2020 NWSL Draft: Orlando Pride Select Cal Forward Abi Kim at No. 26

The Orlando Pride have selected California-Berekley forward Abi Kim in the third round (No. 26 overall) in the 2020 NWSL College Draft. Kim is the first forward selected by the Pride in this draft and could help mitigate the loss of Rachel Hill, who was traded earlier today to the Chicago Red Stars. Or she could move to right back. Once again, Marc Skinner has found a player who has a diverse set of skills.

Kim started all 21 games in which she played during her senior season in 2019. The 5-foot-8, Vashon, WA native scored two goals and added six assists, putting 12 of her 28 shots on target last season. She started at least 16 matches in each of her four seasons in college, amassing 74 starts and 80 games played for a total of 5,692 minutes. She finished with 18 goals and 10 assists during her career at Cal.

The forward was a team captain with the Bears in her senior season. Kim earned Third Team All-Pac-12 honors her senior year. She was a Third Team All-Region and Third Team All-Pac-12 selection in 2018, a Second Team All-Pac-12 pick in 2017, and a Pac-12 All-Freshman Team selection in 2016. Kim was named to the U-20 U.S. Women’s National Team for the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup

What it Means for Orlando

The thing that really jumps off the highlight video for Kim is her speed. She has the kind of speed that can overcome other shortcomings and being that she was selected in the latter stages of the third round, there are obviously holes in her game that must be addressed. If she can work on and improve those areas, she could be a fantastic pickup for the Pride.

Whether Skinner sees Kim as a fullback or a wing player doesn’t really matter because his system is fluid and players are often exchanging positions on the field during play. As such, she might be a good pickup to fit his system, while she might not work out quite as well in more traditional setups.

Here’s a look at what she can do: