Independence top pick Malorie Rutledge

The Philadelphia Independence drafted six players in today’s Women’s Professional Soccer draft, including local product Dani Collins.

LSU midfielder Malorie Rutledge led the way as the expansion Independence’s first pick, which came in the second round at No. 13 overall. The Independence had traded away their first rounder to acquire U.S. international forward Amy Rodriguez from the Boston Breakers.

Like their MLS counterparts, the Independence made draft day trades to move around in the draft, held today at the Philadelphia Convention Center.

Rather then break down all the complications that went down after a too-long work day, I’ll simply accept that I wasn’t there to follow it all and just list for you who (it looks like) they got in addition to Rutledge. (Right now, my brain is mush, and the Independence’s draft maneuvering looks more complicated than the nuclear power documents and congressional legislation that I’ve been reading today.)

• Fourth round – Kelly Henderson, defender/midfielder, Boston College.
• Fifth round – Mallori Lofton-Malachi, goalkeeper, South Florida (acquired from Atlanta)
• Seventh round – Caitlin Farrell, defender, Wake Forest
• Seventh round – Dani Collins, D/M, William & Mary

For a full list of players selected in the draft, click here.

Of the picks, Collins might be the most interesting because the team actually hired her in October to work in community outreach and youth development for the Independence. The two-time All-American also hails from the Philly area, according to WPS.

So I guess it makes sense to draft her, but what would have happened if the Chicago Red Stars got mischievous and decided to burn a pick on her?

Yes, it’s been a long day, so I’ll shut up and let you weigh in with comments below.