ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 11, 2024) — The Orlando Pride have acquired midfielder Morgan Gautrat, and $50,000 in Allocation Money from the Kansas City Current, in exchange for a 2024 international roster spot, it was announced today. Gautrat was a part of the USWNT when they won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in both 2015 and 2019.
“Morgan is a great addition to our roster. She’s a veteran in this league and knows what it takes to win at both the Club and International level,” VP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter said. “Morgan’s talent, experience, and leadership skills make her a great fit for what we are building here. We are looking forward to seeing her in a Pride jersey and can’t wait to help her get back on the pitch this season.”
"I’m thrilled to be joining the Orlando Pride organization. The Club is building something special, and I look forward to being a part of it,” Gautrat said. “I grew up playing soccer in Florida, so it’s a place near and dear to my heart. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to work hard with this team to bring a championship to the city.”
Gautrat is joining the Pride after spending last season with the Kansas City Current. She appeared in seven matches across all competitions, with a portion of her year cut short due to injury. Prior to signing with the Current, Gautrat spent six seasons with the Chicago Red Stars where she helped Chicago to four-straight playoff appearances. She appeared in 62 matches and scored six goals across all competitions during her time with the Red Stars. Gautrat also had a stint in the beginning of the 2018 season with the French club Olympique Lyonnais where she appeared in four matches and recorded one goal and one assist.
The Houston Dash selected Gautrat with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NWSL Draft. She would appear in 10 matches for the Dash during her rookie season, spending a majority of that year with the USWNT in the 2015 World Cup. After that, she logged over 1,000 minutes in the 2016 season appearing in 13 matches, while also helping the USWNT in the 2016 Olympics.
Internationally, the St. Simons Island, Ga native, has extensive experience playing with the USWNT at several levels. She played a vital role in helping the U.S. finish third at the 2010 U17 World Cup when she was just 15 years old. She was also a member of the team that won the 2012 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
At the senior team level, Gautrat has made 88 appearances and tallied eight goals and 11 assists, making her senior team debut on June 15, 2013. She was the youngest member of the USA’s 2015 Women’s World Cup winning squad and was also a member of the squad that won the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
Gautrat played collegiately at the University of Virgina from 2011-2014, where she finished as one of the program’s most decorated players. She was named to multiple All-Conference and All-Regional teams, finishing her Cavalier career with 41 goals and 43 assists. She was nominated for the MAC Hermann Trophy three times and won the award in both 2013 and in 2014.
TRANSACTION: Orlando Pride acquires midfielder Morgan Gautrat and $50,000 in Allocation Money from the Kansas City Current in exchange for a 2024 international roster spot.
Morgan Gautrat
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-7
Born: Feb. 26, 1993, in St. Simons Island, GA
Hometown: St. Simons Island, GA
Citizenship: USA
