“We’re going to try and negotiate to bump up the order,” Burke said. “If we get a second round pick or a first round pick through a trade, I don’t have many assets in the football club that I want to give away in terms of player personnel. I am very happy with what we have returning this year. But, allocation money is a trading tool, future picks and international roster spots are all methods that we can perhaps convince another club to give us a pick at some stage.”

Despite acknowledging intentions of moving up the table, Burke wants to keep the identity of the Washington Spirit alive. The identity, he says, is bringing in younger players and using the draft to “find the gems that can come in and play for us right away.”

“I’m not interested in signing college kids who just sit on the bench or are just around for developmental purposes,” he said. “We want to bring in players who can come in and contribute immediately and play… Our draft board looks a little bit scant right now because it’s third and fourth round. But, you can get some great players in the third and fourth round.”

“We’re going to try and move up the draft board in some way.”

Some special words from some amazing women who have worn the @EliteAcademyNE with pride & have defined what it means to #BeElite in everything they did & continue to do within the sport & life #EgaFAMILY @Paigenielsen EGA, @uncwomenssoccer Alum & current @WashSpirit Defender pic.twitter.com/rViIWtQSEy — Marcus Kelcher (@EGASOCCER1) December 24, 2019

Using Allocation Money in 2020

This is the first year the NWSL will introduce allocation money. According to the NWSL, teams are allowed to purchase up to $300,000 worth of allocation money from the league. All allocation money rules are listed here.

Burke said he’s not interested in “flashing cash around” to bring players to Washington.