ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 15, 2022) - Orlando Pride has signed forward Ally Watt to a new contract extending through the 2024 season, it was announced today. Watt joined the Pride on August 15 after a trade with OL Reign in exchange for $125,000 in Allocation Money.
“Ally is an exciting young player and we’re happy to have her continue with us after acquiring her earlier this year,” Head Coach Seb Hines said. “She's a player that is well-traveled and we’re happy that Orlando is a place she’ll be for the foreseeable future. We think she is someone who fits very well in what we’re trying to build here at the Pride and we look forward to having her back with us in 2023.”
“I’ve really enjoyed my time in Orlando and I’m excited to continue as part of this organization,” Watt said. “I’m happy to be with a great group of girls and I’m very excited for the future of this team and the organization. I can’t wait to get started in 2023.”
The Colorado Springs native went on to appear in six games for the Pride, making an instant impact by scoring the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory over NJ/NY Gotham FC in her debut for the Club. Watt entered the match in the 64th minute as a substitute and scored just nine minutes later following a strong team effort, in what served as her lone Pride goal of the season.
The former first-round draft pick was selected No. 6 overall by the North Carolina Courage in the 2020 NWSL Draft. Prior to joining the Courage, Watt made her professional debut in Australia’s W-League with Melbourne City where she played a role in helping the Club win the 2019-20 Grand Final. Watt returned to the U.S. and made her NWSL debut in the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup, but unfortunately suffered a season-ending ACL injury just minutes into her first match.
Watt was later acquired by the Reign via trade at the end of the 2020 season and would go on to make five appearances in 2021 after returning from her injury. Before Watt joined the Pride in 2022, she appeared in 21 of 22 possible matches across all competitions for the Reign and recorded one goal and one assist.
TRANSACTION: Orlando Pride signs Ally Watt to a two-year contract through the 2024 season.
