ORLANDO, Fla. (June 21, 2020) — In preparation for the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup presented by P&G and Secret, the Orlando Pride has announced a number of transactions ahead of Monday’s tournament roster announcement. The Pride have signed four players to short-term contracts in defenders Phoebe McClernon and Cheyenne Shorts, midfielder Chelsee Washington — all 2020 NWSL College Draft picks — and goalkeeper Brittany Wilson.
In addition, forward Abby Elinsky, midfielder Marisa Viggiano and defender Julie King have been moved to the team’s supplemental roster, while forward Alex Morgan and defender Morgan Reid have been placed on the 45-Day Disabled List. The Club has also waived three players from its Supplemental Roster in midfielder Bridget Callahan, defender Carrie Lawrence and goalkeeper Lainey Burdett.
“As our roster is finalized ahead of the NWSL Challenge Cup, a number of difficult decisions have been necessary to bring the Pride roster into compliance for the tournament,” said Orlando Pride EVP Amanda Duffy. “This is a great opportunity for our 2020 NWSL College Draft picks to gain important professional minutes and make an immediate impact during this unique competition, and on behalf of the entire organization, I’d like to thank Bridget, Carrie and Lainey for their contributions to the Club over their respective tenures. We wish them all the best moving forward.”
McClernon, a product of the University of Virginia, was selected with the No. 14 pick in the 2020 NWSL College Draft. McClernon made 88 appearances throughout her collegiate career, netting one goal, and earning All ACC honors three years in a row. Among her many accolades, McClernon was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team in 2018.
Shorts, the No. 21 overall selection, joins the Pride out of the University of Denver. The 2019 Summit League Defensive Player of the Year, Shorts played in 69 matches over her collegiate tenure, earning numerous conference accolades along the way.
Washington was selected No. 30 overall by the Pride from Bowling Green University. A two-time All-MAC First Team recipient, Washington finished her 85 appearance career with 21 goals and 23 assists for the Falcons.
Wilson, also from Denver, joined the Pride for preseason as a trialist. During her four-year career with the Pioneers, the Colorado native made 80 appearances and averaged a 0.94 goals against average. She ended her career at Denver fourth in saves (230), fourth in shutouts (25) and fourth in goalkeeper wins (40).
Callahan joined the Club as a National Team Replacement Player in 2018, making one appearance, and was signed to a full contract for the 2019 season, where she featured in eight games. Burdett joined the Pride in 2019 and played in one match, making four saves against the Washington Spirit. Lawrence was signed by the Pride in January of 2020, but did not feature for the Club.
All nine NWSL teams must be roster compliant by Sunday, June 21. The Pride begin the Challenge Cup on Saturday, June 27, facing the Chicago Red Stars at 10 p.m. ET at Zions Bank Stadium. That match will be streamed on CBS All Access for fans in the U.S. and Canada, while international fans can watch on Twitch.
Phoebe McClernon
Position: Defender
Height: 5-7
Born: Dec. 13, 1997 in West Chester, Pa.
Hometown: West Chester, Pa.
College: University of Virginia
Citizenship: USA
Cheyenne Shorts
Position: Defender
Height: 5-9
Born: Aug. 10, 1998 in Dever, Colo.
Hometown: Denver, Colo.
College: University of Denver
Citizenship: USA
Brittany Wilson
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 5-8
Born: in Denver, Colo.
Hometown: Littleton, Colo.
College: University of Denver
Citizenship: USA
Chelsee Washington
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-8
Born: Nov. 17, 1997 in Dallas, Texas
Hometown: Carrollton, Texas
College: Bowling Green State University
Citizenship: USA
