The Orlando Pride return one of their most valuable players after a new contract signing.
Left-back Steph Catley and forward Jamia Fields have signed new contracts with the Pride, according to a press release by the team. Additionally, Australian forward Lisa De Vanna.
“Jamia and Steph were both valuable assets to our team last season, so we’re thrilled to bring them back,” general manager Niki Budalic said, per the release. “Jamia provides 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 in the offseason, I’m really excited with how our back-line is shaping up.”
Budalic has good reason to be excited for the Pride’s back-line. In addition to returning Catley, the Pride also signed United States women’s national team defender Ali Krieger.
Fields graduated from Florida State University. She started in six of her 12 appearances for Orlando last season, recording an assist.
As for Catley, the 23-year-old just won her second-consecutive championship with Melbourne City FC. Catley started and played all 90 minutes of the Pride’s first 11 matches before joining the Matildas for the 2016 Summer Olympics. She was sidelined by an injury during the latter half of the season.
De Vanna played in the Pride’s final three matches after she joined the team late. She recorded three shots in 154 minutes with Orlando.
“I’d like to thank Lisa for her contribution during her short time at the club,” Pride head coach Tom Sermanni said, per the release. “Despite the fact that she was only here for a brief time, she made a big impact with our team and with the fans. She is a very special player, and we hope to see her back in the league in the future.”
Currently, Orlando only has one international roster spot remaining. Monica Hickmann Alves, Camila Pereira, Laura Alleway, Alanna Kennedy and Catley take up five spots.
The Pride will open their home schedule with a 4 p.m. matchup against the Washington Spirit on April 22 in Orlando City Stadium.
