The Orlando Pride announced three acquisitions to their newly formed team, set to make their inaugural season debut in 2016.
Among the three comes Alex Morgan, an Olympic gold medalist, FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion and a forward for the U.S. Women’s National Team. Canadian international Kaylyn Kyle and U.S. international Sarah Hagen also join Morgan for the Orlando Pride’s debut.
Orlando City SC founder and president Phil Rawlins spoke to reporters at halftime of USWNT vs. Brazil match at the Orlando Citrus Bowl Sunday hinting at the acquisition of Morgan. A reporter commented to Rawlins “Now feels like a good time, though, to make a big announcement for a big name if you want to do that,” to which Rawlins happily noted “It kinda does, doesn’t it? But then there would be no point in a press conference tomorrow!”
Orlando soccer fan suspicions were confirmed in Downtown Orlando on Monday when the Orlando Pride made their official announcement, also stating what were given for the players in terms of draft picks and player trades.
“Today marks a significant milestone in building a successful professional women’s club here in Orlando,” said Rawlins. “Signing three players with the caliber of Alex, Kaylyn and Sarah clearly demonstrates the club’s intention to be successful from the very start. I’d like to welcome all three players to ‘The City Beautiful,’ and I look forward to seeing them and the rest of the Pride on the pitch next season.”
The Portland Thorns received the top overall pick in the 2015 expansion draft, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NWSL college draft and international roster spots for the 2016 and 2017 season as part of the deal.
Morgan also wanted to stay closer to her husband, Orlando City midfielder Servando Carrasco, which became a motivator for the request from Alex to the Thorns.
The USWNT and FIFA star will bring exposure and skill to the Pride, being among the most adept and accomplished soccer players in the world.
“Alex Morgan is a dynamic, prolific striker in the global women’s game, with all of the qualities that we look for in a star player,” said Orlando City general manager Paul McDonough at the conference. “Her career and accomplishments in the game speak for themselves. She will instantly raise the profile of the Orlando Pride, and help develop an attacking style of play for the team.”
The addition of Morgan will likely overshadow Kyle and Hagen as the fanfare continues to play. Not to take away from the skill of the latter two, McDonough continued.
“Kaylyn Kyle and Sarah Hagen bring additional international experience and a championship pedigree to Orlando. Kaylyn is a tough tackling midfielder with extensive league experience. Sarah has a strong track record of scoring goals both domestically and abroad. We expect Sarah and Alex will form a potentially lethal partnership on the attack. These three signings bring world class talent to the squad and we look forward to adding other exciting players in the upcoming Expansion and College Drafts.”
The Orlando Pride will play in the Citrus Bowl at the start of the season and move to the Orlando City soccer stadium upon its completion, as with the Orlando City Lions. A schedule has not yet been released to the public.
Photo credit: Aileen Perilla
