ORLANDO, Fla. (August 29, 2016) – Orlando Pride has added one of the world’s best strikers to its roster, signing Australia Women’s National Team captain Lisa De Vanna. De Vanna will join the Pride pending receipt of her P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Per team and league policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
“We're delighted to sign a player of Lisa's quality to add to the depth of the team and our attacking presence,” Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni said. “Lisa is a world-class player, a game-changer and I’m looking forward to coaching her again.”
“I am incredibly happy to be joining the Orlando Pride and keen to be working with Tommy again,” De Vanna said of her signing. “I’m looking forward to joining the team. It’s exciting to be a part of a new team and will do my best to help the squad for the rest of the season.”
De Vanna, 31, joins the Pride after leading Australia to its first Olympic quarterfinal appearance since 2004, ultimately bowing out to host Brazil in penalty kicks. A native of Perth, De Vanna ranks as one of Australia’s best scorers with 40 goals in her 117 international caps, which are second and third all-time, respectively.
She made her senior team debut in 2004 and played under Sermanni during his tenure as Australia’s head coach from 2005-2012.
Last summer, De Vanna became the first Australian to score in three straight FIFA Women’s World Cup competitions and, after posting two goals at the 2015 World Cup, was named to the tournament’s all-star squad. In 2013, she was named Female Footballer of the Year by the Football Federation of Australia.
In February 2013, De Vanna signed with Sky Blue FC for the inaugural National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season. A trade during the 2013-14 offseason saw De Vanna join the Boston Breakers, where she totaled six appearances before moving to the Washington Spirit. Over her two seasons in the NWSL, De Vanna scored six goals and seven assists, including a bicycle-kick goal on June 5, 2013 that earned a nomination for the coveted Puskas Award - FIFA’s recognition for the best goal of the year.
De Vanna becomes the third Matilda’s player on the Pride roster, joining fellow Aussies Steph Catley and Laura Alleway in Orlando. The trio will be reunited after posting an undefeated record during the 2015-16 W-League campaign, leading Melbourne City FC to the Westfield W-League championship in the club’s inaugural year.
De Vanna began her professional club career in 2006 after signing with Doncaster Rover Belles of the English Premier League. After a season in Sweden, De Vanna joined the W-League of her home country, playing for Perth Glory.
The forward was selected 18th overall in the 2008 WPS International Draft by the Washington Freedom. She played with the Club until WPS suspended operations, spending offseasons in the W-League. After the final WPS season in 2011, De Vanna signed with Swedish side Linköpings FC. Over a 10-year club career, De Vanna also featured for the W-League’s Brisbane Roar, Newcastle Jets and Melbourne Victory, winning championships in the 2010-11, 2013-14 and 2015-16 seasons.
Orlando Pride will play its final two games on the road, first on Sept. 3 at Houston then on Sept. 7 at Sky Blue FC, before closing out the 2016 regular season with two home games. The Pride return to Camping World Stadium on Sept. 10 to host Sky Blue in the second leg of a home-and-home series.
Tickets to remaining Orlando home matches are available at orlando-pride.com or by calling (855) ORL-CITY.
Lisa De Vanna
Jersey Number: 10
Position: Forward
Height: 5-1
Born: November 14, 1984 in Fremantle, Australia
Hometown: Perth, Australia
Citizenship: Australia
College: n/a
Acquired: Signed via Discovery on August 29, 2016
