Philly Independence has No. 2 pick in women’s soccer draft

The Philadelphia Independence likely won't get a chance to add the world's best women's soccer player when Women's Professional Soccer conducts its dispersal draft on Thursday following the folding of the Los Angeles Sol franchise.

The Atlanta Beat, another expansion team, owns the top pick, with the Independence selecting No. 2.

As a result, Atlanta has the clear path to add Marta, who was picked by FIFA as the world's best player for the fourth straight season. The 23-year-old Brazilian led WPS with 10 goals last season.

In addition to the second selection, the Independence will hold the 15th and 18th overall selections in the dispersal draft.

Even though the Independence and Beat are both expansion teams, they have been trading turns in various drafts and this time, it was Atlanta's turn to go first, according to Independence CEO and owner David Halstead.

During a phone interview yesterday, Halstead said that it's too early to tell what direction the Independence may take with the No. 2 pick.

"The league is funneling to us player information and salaries and we're trying to understand the financial obligation to the players," Halstead said.

After Marta, a potential No. 2 pick is U.S. National Team midfielder Shannon Box, who played every minute in the 2008 Olympics.

"Like the rest of the league, all of us in the Independence organization are disappointed about the L.A. Sol not participating in the WPS in 2010," Halstead said. "However, in Philadelphia, and in the other seven WPS markets, we have incredibly committed owners and strong franchises, as well as many, many exciting things happening that will ensure the 2010 WPS season is fantastic - for the WPS, its teams, players, and most importantly, its fans."

The Independence will play this season at West Chester University's John A. Farrell Stadium. The opening game is April 11 at home against the Beat.