South Jersey native Amirah Ali picked by Portland Thorns in NWSL Draft

Former Eastern Regional High School star Amirah Ali will be heading to the Pacific Northwest to pursue a professional career.

Ali was drafted 22nd overall in the third round of the National Women’s Soccer League draft late Wednesday. She scored 25 goals and dished out 12 assists over three seasons in the Big 10 for the Scarlet Knights.

She’ll be reunited in Portland with former Rutgers teammate Madison Pogarch, who she played with her first two seasons in Piscataway.

Prior to college, Ali was a three-time High School All-American and national Player of the Year at Eastern and played club for Players Development Academy.

She’ll also join another prominent South Jersey player in the Pacific Northwest. Tziarra King recently joined the OL Reign after making a name for herself as a rookie with the Utah Royals, which have since moved to Kansas City.