During the 2019-2020 offseason, the Orlando Pride have done a lot to bring new talent to Central Florida: They traded for national-team players Emily Sonnett and Caitlin Foord, acquired New Zealand national-team defender Ali Riley via transfer and drafted their highest-ever pick in third-overall pick Taylor Kornieck, among others.This time around, the Pride’s moves centered around players already on the roster. On March 6, Orlando announced it signed midfielder Emily van Egmond, defender Carson Pickett and utility player Kristen Edmonds to new contracts. Each deal will last one year, with Pickett’s having an option for one more.
“We’re very excited that Emily, Carson and Kristen have signed for the new season,” Pride Head Coach Marc Skinner said, per the official release. “Coming off a strong season in Australia, we are really pleased to have Emily back in Orlando and look forward to continuing her great form and showing all of her qualities in a Pride jersey. It’s important that we continue to have players with technical qualities to compete at a really high level.
“Carson fits that mold. Kristen has the ability to excel in 1-v-1 areas, and this allows her to be a real threat. We’re looking forward to Kristen producing her best performances in the coming season.”
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Since joining the Pride in 2018, van Egmond has notched two assists in 25 appearances, including starting seven of eight appearances in 2019. She’s currently playing with Westfield W-League side Melbourne City FC, having scored a team-high six goals and leading the team to the best regular-season record.
National team-wise, the 26-year-old van Egmond has amassed 96 caps for the Matildas, as she made her national-team debut at just 15 years old. She has now played in three World Cups, most recently playing in all four matches in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. So far in 2020, she has played in each of the Matildas’ four matches, recording five goals and five assists.
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Pickett is coming off a season in which she was a mainstay in the Pride’s back line. She started 19 of her 20 appearances, tallying one assist in the process. Like other Pride players, Pickett spent her National Women’s Soccer League offseason in Australia, as she played for W-League side Brisbane Roar.
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Edmonds, who surpassed the 100-game mark last season, is a Pride vet who has been with the team since its inaugural season in 2016. The 32-year-old has played in 70 matches for Orlando, adding nine goals and two assists. In total, she’s played 102 games in six NWSL seasons.
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Orlando opens its season against Sky Blue FC for the first time in club history, hosting the New Jersey side on April 19. In total, the Pride are 3-1-1 against Sky Blue at home.
For more on the Pride, as they finalize their roster ahead of Preseason 2020, follow Victor Tan on Twitter at @NDR_VictorTan.
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