Orlando Pride has announced its 20-player roster ahead of opening week for the 2017 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season.
For its second campaign in the NWSL, the Pride roster is highlighted by the addition of the newest attacking power, five-time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, Marta. The Brazilian goal-scoring force was announced as the newest member of the Pride on Friday, and will join the Pride following the receipt of her International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
Orlando has also signed its two 2017 NWSL College Draft picks, adding midfielder Nickolette Driesse and forward Danica Evans to the roster.
“I’m really excited to officially be a member of the team; it’s has already been a fun and challenging experience for me,” Evans said. “I’m just very grateful I get to start my professional career at a top organization like the Pride.”
“I’m so thankful for this opportunity with the Pride and I’m looking forward to continuing to play with some of the best players in the world,” Driesse said. “I can’t wait to see what this season has in store, both as a player and for the Club as a whole.”
Defender Mckenzie Berryhill, who was acquired by the Pride last season via waivers, has been placed on the season-ending injury list and will not compete in the 2017 NWSL season. Rookie Rachel Hill, whose rights the Pride acquired in January, is currently finishing up her senior year at the University of Connecticut and will join the team at a later date.
Forward Alex Morgan, who was announced as a 2017 U.S. Women’s National Team Federation Player last week, will rejoin the Pride following the conclusion of Olympique Lyonnais’ season. Morgan is currently competing with the French side for the remainder of the UEFA Women’s Champions League season.
Orlando hits the road for its first match of the season, traveling to face Portland Thorns FC in its season opener for the second straight year. The April 15 match will kick off at 3 p.m. ET and will be nationally televised as the first-ever NWSL Game of the Week on Lifetime.
The Pride will again feature on Lifetime in Week 2, hosting the Washington Spirit in the team’s first match at Orlando City Stadium. Tickets for the 4 p.m. ET kickoff are available at orlando-pride.com/tickets or by calling (855) ORL-CITY. Season and group ticket packages are also currently available.
2017 Orlando Pride Roster:
ROSTERED PLAYERS (20 of 20 spots filled)
GOALKEEPERS (2): Aubrey Bledsoe, Ashlyn Harris (FED-USA)
DEFENDERS (8): Laura Alleway (INTL-AUS), Mckenzie Berryhill (SEI), Steph Catley (INTL-AUS), Monica Hickmann Alves (INTL-BRA), Alanna Kennedy (INTL-AUS), Ali Krieger (FED-USA), Cami Levin, Toni Pressley
MIDFIELDERS (5): Nickolette Driesse, Kristen Edmonds, Maddy Evans, Camila Martins Pereira (INTL-BRA), Dani Weatherholt,
FORWARDS (7): Christina Burkenroad, Danica Evans, Jamia Fields, Alex Morgan (FED-USA, OOM), Jasmyne Spencer, Chioma Ubogagu, Marta Vieira da Silva (INTL-BRA, OOM),
FEDERATION PLAYERS (FED): 3
INTERNATIONAL ROSTER SPOTS FILLED (INTL): 6
Key:
ACTIVE ROSTER:
FED - Federation Player
INTL – International Roster Spot
ROSTERED PLAYERS NOT COUNTED AGAINST ACTIVE LIMIT:
D45 - 45-Day Disabled List
SEI - Season Ending Injury List
GKR - Goalkeeper Replacement
MAT - Maternity
LOA - Loan
OOM - Out of Market
