ORLANDO, Fla. (March 7, 2017) – Orlando Pride has come to terms with defender Steph Catley and forward Jamia Fields, it was announced today. In addition, the Pride have waived forward Lisa De Vanna.
"Jamia and Steph were both valuable assets to our team last season so we're thrilled to bring them back," Pride General Manager Niki Budalic said. "Jamia provided a spark for us off the bench with her speed and tenacity. And with Steph, there's no question she is among the best left backs in the world on both ends of the field. With our returning players plus the acquisitions we’ve made this offseason, I'm really excited with how our back line is shaping up."
Catley, 23, returns the Pride on the heels of her second straight championship with Westfield W-League side Melbourne City FC. In 2016, the Australian defender started and played all 90 minutes of the Pride’s first 11 matches before joining the Westfield Matildas for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
A graduate of Florida State University, Fields made 12 appearances last year for the Pride, starting six matches. The 23-year-old forward added one assist on the year, a helper to Jasmyne Spencer on July 23.
De Vanna joined the Pride at the end of the 2016 NWSL season, playing in the final three matches of the team’s inaugural campaign. The Australian forward totaled three shots in her 154 minutes with Orlando.
“I’d like to thank Lisa for her contribution during her short time at the Club. Despite the fact that she was only here for a brief time, she made a big impact with our team and with the fans,” Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni said. “She is a very special player and we hope to see her back in the league in the future.”
Five of Orlando’s six international roster spots are currently occupied by Brazilians Monica and Camila, and Australians Catley, Laura Alleway and Alanna Kennedy.
The Pride open their 2017 home season on April 22, facing the Washington Spirit at 4 p.m. ET at Orlando City Stadium. After setting the National Women’s Soccer League single-game attendance record in the 2016 home opener, fans will have the opportunity to surpass their own benchmark and fill the new, 25,500-seat venue. Orlando starts the NWSL season on the road, traveling to Portland Thorns FC on April 15.
