ORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 16, 2021) — The Orlando Pride has acquired $275,000 in Allocation Money, a National Women’s Soccer League record, and midfielder Angharad James from San Diego Wave FC, it was announced today. In exchange, the 2022 expansion side has received the rights to forward Alex Morgan.
“Alex has been the consummate professional and an integral part of bringing this franchise to Orlando and creating tremendous memories along the way. We are grateful for her leadership and she will always be a part of the Orlando Pride family. We wish her the best in this next chapter of her career," Orlando Pride General Manager Ian Fleming said. “We continue to be excited for the future of our organization, including welcoming Angharad to our roster. She is a strong box-to-box presence and will be a stabilizing force in the midfield. She has proven this year that she can handle the rigors of our league, and we look forward to her continued growth and development playing in the NWSL."
James joins the Pride following one season in the NWSL with the North Carolina Courage. After signing with the Cary-based side in February, the Welsh international made 17 total appearances and scored her first NWSL goal on Sept. 25 against NJ/NY Gotham FC. Prior to her time stateside, James made her professional debut with Arsenal in 2010 at the age of 16. She would go on to feature for Bristol City, Notts County, Yeovil Town, Everton and Reading.
Internationally, the 27-year-old has made nearly 100 appearances with the Wales national team, most recently appearing in UEFA Women's Euro 2022 qualifying over the summer.
Morgan, 32, departs the Pride following six seasons after being one of the first three players announced on the team’s inaugural roster on October 26, 2015. Morgan served as the Club’s captain during its 2016 season and, over her tenure with the Pride, totaled 23 goals and 10 assists over 69 appearances across all competitions. That goal total ranks Morgan second all-time in Club history, while being named to the NWSL Team of the Month and NWSL Player of the Month twice each.
TRANSACTION: Orlando Pride acquires $275,000 in Allocation Money and the rights to midfielder Angharad James in exchange for the rights to forward Alex Morgan.
Angharad James (ahn-har-rahd)
Position: Midfield
Height: 5-7
Born: June 1, 1994 in Haverfordwest, Wales
Hometown: Haverfordwest, Wales
College: N/A
Citizenship: Wales
