The Chicago Red Stars have acquired forward Katie Johnson from Sky Blue FC in a trade announced on Wednesday afternoon. In exchange, Sky Blue FC will receive the sixth overall pick in the 2019 NWSL College Draft and the Red Stars’ highest second-round pick in the 2020 NWSL College Draft. The 2019 NWSL season will […]

The Chicago Red Stars have acquired forward Katie Johnson from Sky Blue FC in a trade announced on Wednesday afternoon. In exchange, Sky Blue FC will receive the sixth overall pick in the 2019 NWSL College Draft and the Red Stars’ highest second-round pick in the 2020 NWSL College Draft.The 2019 NWSL season will be Johnson’s third in the NWSL. She has eight goals in 42 career NWSL games with Sky Blue FC in 2018 and Seattle Reign FC in 2017. Johnson is a member of Mexico’s national team, which did not qualify for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, so she is expected to be available for the full season. Johnson could give the Red Stars a key offensive threat while reigning Golden Boot winner Sam Kerr is away on international duty with Australia. She has eight goals in 21 appearances for Mexico. “I am absolutely excited and thrilled to be joining this club,” Johnson said in a Red Stars news release. “They’ve always had a great reputation and have repeatedly been one of the top teams in the league. I can’t wait to arrive in Chicago and play with some of the best players because I think if you play with some of the best players it elevates your game too.” Following the trade, Sky Blue FC now have eight total picks in the 2019 NWSL College Draft — three picks in the first round (No. 2, 3 and 6), as well as the No. 10, No. 11, No. 19, N0. 28 and No. 34 picks. Even with giving up a pick, the Red Stars still hold two picks in the first round (No. 1 and No. 7) following the trade, as well as the No. 15, No. 24, No. 26 and No. 33 picks. The latest order for the 2019 NWSL College Draft, last updated on January 9, can be found here. “Katie is an outstanding forward with international experience that has proven to be a force up top in the NWSL,” head coach Rory Dames said the Red Stars news release. “This is a big get for us and gives us a strong forward to have with us the entire season. I’m excited to welcome Katie to the Chicago family.”