ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Pride, Central Florida's newest professional sports team, announces the first three acquisitions for the team's inaugural National Women's Soccer League season.
Orlando Pride announced that they have acquired U.S. Women's National Team player Alex Morgan and Canadian international Kaylyn Kyle, along with U.S. international Sarah Hagen.
Morgan currently plays for the Portland Thorns, but has ties to Orlando. Her husband, Servando Carrasco, plays for Orlando City Soccer Club.
In exchange for Morgan and Kyle, the Pride traded to Portland Thorns FC the rights to their first Expansion Draft selection, the first-round selection in the 2016 NWSL College Draft, and one international roster spot for the 2016 and 2017 seasons, according to a release.
Orlando acquired the rights to Hagen in a separate transaction with FC Kansas City. The Pride received FC Kansas City's second-round selection in the 2016 NWSL College Draft in exchange for Orlando's second-round selection in the 2017 NWSL College Draft, officials said.
"Today marks a significant milestone in building a successful professional women's Club here in Orlando," said Orlando City Founder and President Phil Rawlins in a release. "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 Orlando Pride is the 10th Team in the National Women's Soccer League and the second expansion team. Other teams in the league are in Boston, Chicago, Houston, Kansas City, Portland and Seattle.
Orlando Pride will begin playing at the Citrus Bowl in 2016.