Orlando Pride Shatters World Record with Signing of ‘La Maga’
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Orlando, FL – The Orlando Pride have once again redefined the landscape of the National Women’s Soccer League, announcing today the acquisition of Mexican international Lizbeth Jacqueline Ovalle from Tigres UANL Femenil for an undisclosed, but record-breaking, fee. This transfer eclipses both the NWSL and global records for incoming transfers in women’s soccer, signaling a new era of investment in the league.
A Historic Acquisition
The signing of Ovalle, affectionately known as “La Maga” (The Magician), follows the pride’s strategic investment in star forward Barbra Banda in 2024. This latest move underscores the club’s commitment to assembling a championship-caliber roster and elevating the profile of women’s soccer worldwide. Haley Carter,VP of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director,has been instrumental in securing Ovalle,recognizing the need to build upon last season’s success – capturing both the NWSL Shield and Championship.
“The process with Jacquie actually began several months ago, when our scouting network identified her as one of the most dynamic players in Liga MX Femenil,” Carter stated. “What drew us to her initially was her creativity and technical ability. She’s earned the nickname ‘La Maga’ for good reason. Building on the foundation we established with barbra’s signing was crucial, and with Jackie, we’re not just setting a transfer record – we’re demonstrating our commitment to assembling a roster that can compete for championships while also elevating the profile of women’s soccer globally.”
Ovalle’s Extraordinary Credentials
Ovalle brings a wealth of experience and accolades to Orlando. She has amassed nearly 300 appearances for Tigres, scoring 136 goals and winning nine trophies. Her viral scorpion-kick goal in March further cemented her reputation as a dynamic and skillful attacker. On the international stage, Ovalle has represented Mexico 81 times, scoring 20 goals, and was named to the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup Best XI, as well as earning a Pan American Games 2023 gold medal.
Did You Know? The increasing investment in women’s soccer is mirroring trends seen in men’s football, with clubs recognizing the financial and sporting benefits of attracting top talent. FIFA recently announced a record USD 3.5 billion investment in women’s football over the next three years.
Strategic Fit and coaching Perspective
The Pride envision Ovalle as a key component of their attacking lineup, providing creativity and goal-scoring threat from wide positions. Head Coach Seb Hines emphasized her seamless integration into the team’s existing structure.
“She’s a highly skilled player, versatile as well, that can play on the left side and the right side,” Hines explained. “She’s shown her qualities with the National Team as well on the biggest stage. She’s another goal-threat for us, and a different type of goal-threat at that. She’s very skillful in one-v-one situations, composed under pressure when it comes to finishing. We like to have versatile players with different qualities. How she fits in with the rest of the squad will be seamless as she’s just that good. She’s an exciting player who gets fans off their seats, and we’re just so happy to have her be part of the team.”
Culture and Ownership Support
Beyond her on-field abilities, Carter highlighted Ovalle’s professionalism and enthusiasm for joining the NWSL. The Pride have cultivated a strong team culture over the past three seasons, and Ovalle’s character was deemed a crucial factor in the decision-making process.
“Off the field, what impressed us most during our conversations was her professionalism and her genuine excitement about the prospect to compete in the NWSL,” Carter said. “She’s someone who understands the duty that comes with being a high-profile signing, and she’s committed to being a positive ambassador for the club and the league.”
The club’s ownership, the Wilf family, have been instrumental in providing the financial backing necessary to attract players of Ovalle’s caliber.Their commitment extends beyond mere investment, with active involvement in strategic planning and player recruitment.
“The Wilf family’s support has been transformative for this association,” Carter added. “They’ve made it clear that their goal is to build a championship-caliber organization, and they understand that requires investment in top-tier talent. They’ve trusted our evaluation process and backed our recommendations, allowing us to compete for the very best players in the world.”
key Stats & Timeline
| Player | Team (Previous) | Appearances (Club) | Goals (Club) | Appearances (International) | Goals (International) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lizbeth Ovalle | Tigres UANL Femenil | ~300 | 136 | 81 | 20 |
Pro Tip: Following this signing, keep an eye on how the Pride integrate Ovalle into their attacking formations.Her versatility could unlock new tactical possibilities for Coach Hines.
What impact do you think Lizbeth Ovalle will have on the Orlando Pride’s championship aspirations? And how will this record-breaking transfer influence player valuations in the NWSL?
The Orlando Pride’s recent success is part of a broader trend of growth and investment in the NWSL. Increased media coverage, expanding fan bases, and growing corporate sponsorships are all contributing to the league’s rising profile. the influx of international talent, like Ovalle and Banda, is further enhancing the quality of play and attracting new audiences. This strategic investment in players is not only benefiting the Pride but also raising the overall standard of women’s soccer in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
- what makes Lizbeth Ovalle a valuable addition to the Orlando Pride? Ovalle brings a unique skillset,including creativity,technical ability,and goal-scoring prowess,making her a versatile and dynamic attacker.
- How does this transfer impact the NWSL? This record-breaking transfer demonstrates the growing financial investment in the NWSL and sets a new benchmark for player valuations.
- What is the significance of the “La Maga” nickname? ”La Maga” (The Magician) reflects Ovalle’s exceptional skill and flair on the field, particularly her ability to create scoring opportunities.
- What role did the Wilf family play in securing this transfer? The Wilf family provided the financial backing and strategic support necessary to attract a player of Ovalle’s caliber.
- What are the Orlando Pride’s expectations for Ovalle? The Pride expect Ovalle to seamlessly integrate into their attacking lineup and contribute to their championship aspirations.
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