199 days. That’s how long midfielder Alanna Kennedy has had to wait to return to the Orlando Pride.
In that time, Kennedy played 14 matches for Melbourne City in Australia’s Westfield W-League, made a dozen appearances for the Australia national team and qualified for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
And after nearly 200 days away Kennedy has finally returned to the Sunshine State, this time with a new face in tow, fellow Australian and newly acquired Orlando Pride midfielder Emily van Egmond.
“It feels really good to be here, I’ve been welcomed with open arms and it almost feels like I never left,” Kennedy said. “I’m happy to have Em here and I’m sure she’s enjoying it as well.”
Four matches into the season, the Pride have anxiously awaited the duo’s arrival and are thrilled to have the Aussies back in training.
“It gives everyone a little boost when you get players coming back,” Head Coach Tom Sermanni said. “Obviously it increases the level of training, the quality of training and the competition in the squad.”
Kennedy and van Egmond arrived in the States late Saturday night and were quick to jump in.
On Sunday the two Australians were introduced on the pitch at halftime before watching their fellow teammates from the stands as the Pride defeated the Houston Dash 1-0.
And on Tuesday the pair participated in their first training session, not wasting a moment to begin work adjusting to newer teammates and finding their fit within the team.
“It just felt normal, I’m getting back in the rhythm,” Kennedy said. “It’s really good to be around the girls again.”
Sermanni spoke highly of the value that Kennedy and van Egmond bring to the table, citing their past international experience as a value to the team.
“Her quality on the ball, her comfort with the ball, her vision, her ability to pass and to be a great goal threat are things we are really looking forward to seeing,” Sermanni said of Kennedy.
For van Egmond he sees a quality player that can step right in and play.
“Emily is high-quality, creative midfield player with a determined and winning attitude, and the ability to get forward and score goals,” Sermanni said. “She brings vast international experience to our squad.”
With a game just around the corner, Kennedy shared how she sees herself fitting into the squad.
“I’m just hoping to slip back in there and to be the link in the middle,” Kennedy said. “I’m really looking to play wherever the team needs me.”
After almost seven months Kennedy will have her chance to once again suit up for Orlando and van Egmond will have a shot to make her first appearance in purple as the Pride take on Seattle Reign FC at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday.
As to whether or not she’ll play against the Reign, Kennedy responded with a slight chuckle.
“I’m ready to go.”
