The Orlando Pride have made significant offseason acquisitions heading into their second National Women’s Soccer League season. On Thursday, a rumor was reported that the Pride might have landed one of the biggest names in women’s soccer.
According to a report by Women’s Soccer Weekly’s Michelle Stile, the Pride will sign Brazilian superstar Marta Vieira da Silva. While there are no confirmed details, this wouldn’t be the first time the Orlando City Soccer Club has attracted top-class Brazilian talent.
Life president Phil Rawlins attracted majority owner Flávio Augusto da Silva to the team in 2013 en route to the club’s Major League Soccer bid. That eventually led to Orlando City team captain Ricardo Kaká joining the club for its first three MLS seasons.
Marta, as she is commonly known, holds the record for most goals scored in FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments with 15. From 2006 to 2010, Marta was named FIFA World Player of the Year five years in a row.
The Brazilian will also have the attraction of playing with former teammates. The 31-year-old won a championship with Pride players Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris, winning the 2011 Women’s Professional Soccer Championship 1-1 (5-4) over the Philadelphia Independence. In 2014, Marta also made it to the UEFA Champion’s League final with the Pride’s newly acquired national-team defender Ali Krieger and Harris.
There has been no confirmation by the club yet. Check back for details.
