CHICAGO — The Equalizer has learned that Hailie Mace informed Sky Blue FC prior to Thursday’s NWSL College Draft that she has no intention of playing for the New Jersey club that made her the No. 2 overall pick. The UCLA defender was invited to the draft by NWSL but declined.

“There’s challenges with her,” Sky Blue general manager Tony Novo said. “But I think that she will be here once we talk to her and get by some of the negativity we’ve had in the past. There’s a lot of things that we need to improve.”

Additionally, Sky Blue’s pick at No. 6, Julia Ashley, told assembled media at McCormick Place’s Skyline Ballroom that she was considering options overseas.

“I’m excited for this opportunity. I’m really happy that Denise [Reddy, Sky Blue head coach] believes in me,” Ashley said a few minutes after being drafted. “I’m from New Jersey, but I’m not positive of what I want to do in regards to if I’m going to stay or go abroad. I have to explore those options.”

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