ORLANDO, Fla. – Dec. 8, 2015 – Orlando Pride National Women’s Soccer League team has signed Brazilian defender Monica Hickmann Alves, the team announced today.



Monica will occupy an international roster spot for the squad’s inaugural season in the NWSL. Per Club and league rules, additional details were not disclosed.



“We’re excited to have Monica join Orlando Pride in the team’s inaugural season,” said head coach Tom Sermanni. “Monica is a very talented player with invaluable experience at both the club and international levels, which will be highly beneficial for us as we continue to build a competitive roster.”



Prior to joining Orlando Pride, Monica spent her entire playing career in Austria and Brazil, featuring for clubs such as Flamengo and SV Neulengbach – the dominant club in the highest level of women’s soccer in Austria. Monica is a 2014 Brazilian league (Campeonato Brasileiro) and Brazilian Cup (Copa do Brasil) champion with Ferroviária, helping the team win the current South-American Championship.



In 2014, Monica received her first call up to the Brazilian National Team – notching over 20 appearances since making her debut. A 2015 Pan American Games gold medalist with the Brazilian National Team, Monica has scored her first international goal against Ecuador in the group stage. The center back recorded her second finish in a 1-1 draw against the United States – the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Champions – on Oct. 21, 2015 during the USWNT’s Victory Tour.



Transaction: Orlando Pride Signs Monica Hickmann Alves

Name: Monica Hickmann Alves

Height: 5’8”

Date of Birth: 04/21/1987

Birthplace: Porto Alegre, Brazil

Citizenship: Brazil