Breakers release details of the Alyssa Naeher trade

The Breakers finally released the official details of the Alyssa Naeher trade after news of the trade broke late Sunday night.

Boston is sending Alyssa Naeher and a 3rd-round pick in the 2016 college draft to Chicago.  In exchange, Chicago is sending defender Whitney Engen, a 2nd-round pick in 2016, and a 2nd-round pick in 2017 to Boston.

"On behalf of everyone at the Breakers, I cannot thank Alyssa enough. We have so much respect for Alyssa, and this was a very tough decision for a lot of us at the club," Boston Breakers general manager Lee Billiard said. "Alyssa has been a long and outstanding servant of the club, both on and off the field, an amazing professional. We wish nothing but the best for her in Chicago and her continued success at the national team level."

This is essentially the Breakers hoping that the new pairing of Kassey Kallman and Whitney Engen at center back will prove enough of a shield in front of goal to be worth giving up Naeher. Goalkeepers of Naeher's caliber are not necessarily easily available to Boston. Someone like Adrianna Franch could be an interesting replacement, assuming Boston could entice her into a contract.

This is also not the best year to be picking out of the first round in the college draft. Boston will first be able to make a selection with the 17th pick overall, and there don't look to be 17 NWSL-ready college players available this year.

Strengthening the field players at the expense of goalkeeping is a gamble fans will have to wait until May to see pan out.