ORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 23, 2020) — The Orlando Pride has acquired two first round NWSL Draft Picks, $140,000 in Allocation Money and midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard from the Washington Spirit in exchange for defender Emily Sonnett. With the trade, the Pride will receive the Spirit’s natural first round pick in the 2021 Draft (No. 9 overall), as well as the team’s natural first round pick in either the 2022 or 2023 NWSL Draft. The pick will be determined by contingencies from one of the Spirit’s other transactions.
“As we enter 2021 and work to elevate our roster, we are pleased to come to terms with Washington on this deal. Acquiring two first round draft picks and a substantial sum of allocation money will continue to set the Pride up for sustained success, not just now, but in future seasons,” Orlando Pride Executive Vice President Amanda Duffy said. “With the addition of Meggie, a player who is from Florida, we are adding a hard-working midfielder who has tremendous league experience at a young age. We’re excited to welcome her to Orlando. While we wish we would have been able to see Emily as part of the Pride, we are pleased to find a beneficial deal for all parties and we wish her luck with the Spirit organization.”
Dougherty Howard, 25, joins the Pride after four seasons with the Spirit. After being selected in the 2017 Draft, Dougherty Howard was the team’s most capped and consistent player with 68 appearances over the last four seasons. During that time, the midfielder also led the team in tackles (125), chances created (63), while contributing one goal, one assist and a 79% passing accuracy.
A native of Largo, Fla., Dougherty Howard graduated from the University of Florida where she totaled 14 goals and 25 assists over 94 appearances. As a Gator, Dougherty Howard was named a 2016 All-American, the 2016 SEC Tournament MVP and a two-time All-SEC honoree.
Dougherty Howard also has previous experience with the U.S. Youth National Teams.
TRANSACTION: Orlando Pride acquires the No. 9 overall pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft, a first round pick in the 2022 or 2023 NWSL Draft, $140,000 in Allocation Money and Meggie Dougherty Howard from Washington in exchange for Emily Sonnett.
Meggie Dougherty Howard
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-5
Born: July 27, 1995
Hometown: Largo, Fla.
College: University of Florida
Citizenship: USA
