The Orlando Pride’s playoff hopes might have been dashed with a 2-1 loss to the Washington Spirit on Friday, but the season still isn’t over. On Monday, the Pride announced the signing of striker Lisa De Vanna. According to team and league policies, the terms of her contract have not been disclosed.
“We’re delighted to sign a player of Lisa’s quality to add to the depth of the team and our attacking presence,” Pride head coach Tom Sermanni said per the release. “Lisa is a world-class player, a game-changer, and I’m looking forward to coaching her again.”
Sermanni coached Australian women’s national team from 2005 to 2012. De Vanna has been with the Matildas since 2004, recording 117 caps and 40 goals. Her caps and goals are good enough for third-most and second-most all-time for the Australian women.
“I am incredibly happy to be joining the Orlando Pride and keen to be working with Tommy again,” De Vanna said. “I’m looking forward to joining the team. It’s exciting to be a part of a new team and will do my best to help the squad for the rest of the season.”
This isn’t the first time De Vanna has seen National Women’s Soccer League action. She first signed with Sky Blue FC in 2013 for that club’s inaugural NWSL season. Before the 2014 season, she was traded to the Boston Breakers. De Vanna was then traded to the Washington Spirit later that season. In two NWSL seasons, she scored six goals and recorded seven assists.
Orlando returns to action on Saturday when they travel to face the Houston Dash at 8:30 p.m.
[…] On Monday, the Pride announced the signing of Australian women’s national team forward Lisa De Vanna. […]
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