What's Happening?
The Orlando Pride has announced the acquisition of midfielder Lizbeth Jacqueline Ovalle from Mexico's Tigres UANL Femenil. Ovalle, a 25-year-old player, joins the Pride for a world-record transfer fee, reportedly $1.5 million according to the New York Times. Ovalle is Tigres UANL Femenil's all-time leading scorer, having achieved 136 goals and 103 assists in 294 appearances over eight years. She has won six Liga MX Femenil titles and is set to play in the Liga MX Femenil’s inaugural All-Star Game before joining the Pride. Ovalle has also represented the Mexican national team, scoring 20 goals in 81 games and contributing to Mexico's gold medal victory at the 2023 Pan American Games.
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Why It's Important?
This acquisition marks a significant investment by the Orlando Pride in strengthening their team with top-tier talent. Ovalle's arrival is expected to enhance the Pride's competitive edge in women's soccer, positioning them among elite clubs globally. The move reflects the Pride's commitment to building championship-caliber teams, as stated by Mark Wilf, the team's owner and chairman. The transfer also highlights the growing financial investments in women's soccer, with the Pride having completed two of the most expensive transfers in consecutive years.
What's Next?
Ovalle's integration into the Orlando Pride will depend on the receipt of her P1 visa and International Transfer Certificate. Her presence is anticipated to bolster the team's performance through the 2027 season, with a mutual option for 2028. The Pride will likely focus on leveraging Ovalle's experience and skills to achieve their objective of winning titles and enhancing their status in women's soccer.
