The rumors and speculation are over, it is official. Alex Morgan will be playing for the Orlando Pride next season.
The Pride announced the first three acquisitions for the team's inaugural National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season Monday afternoon, acquiring U.S. Women's National Team player Alex Morgan and Canadian international Kaylyn Kyle from Portland Thorns FC, and U.S. international Sarah Hagen from FC Kansas City.
"Today marks a significant milestone in building a successful professional women's Club here in Orlando," Orlando City Founder and President Phil Rawlins said 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."
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 (No. 1 overall) in the 2016 NWSL College Draft, and one international roster spot for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
Morgan, 26, has scored over 50 goals in 95 appearances with the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) – playing a key role in the team's FIFA World Cup title this summer.
"Alex Morgan is a dynamic, prolific striker in the global women's game, with all of the qualities that we look for in a star player," Orlando City General Manager Paul McDonough said in the release." Her career and accomplishments in the game speak for themselves. She will instantly raise the profile of the Orlando Pride, and help develop an attacking style of play for the team."
Kaylyn Kyle also joins the Pride from Thorns FC with a plethora of experience, both at the club and international levels. Since earning her first cap with the Canadian Women's National Team in 2008, Kyle has gone on to play over 100 games for her native country, scoring six goals as a midfielder.
Kyle, 27, helped guide her home country to an appearance in the quarterfinals in this year's FIFA World Cup. At the Club level, Kyle has made over 70 appearances for teams such as Vancouver Whitecaps Women, Seattle Reign FC, Boston Breakers and Houston Dash.
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