ORLANDO, Fla. – Mar. 4, 2016 – The Orlando Pride, the newest team in the National Women’s Soccer League, has signed Australia Women’s National Team defender Laura Alleway, pending receipt of her International Transfer Certificate (ITC), it was announced today. Per team and league policies, details of the contract were not announced.



“Laura is a player that I have rated highly for many years and very happy to be bringing to the NWSL,” said Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni. “She is a dominant defender who is now firmly established in the Australian national team. We will be looking to Laura to add more depth and experience to our backline, and are very excited for her to arrive in Orlando.”



“I want to thank the Orlando Pride for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the inaugural team,” Alleway said. “I’m really looking forward to working with Tom again and getting to challenge myself in one of the most prestigious leagues in the world."



Alleway, 26, makes her NWSL debut fresh off a Championship season with Melbourne City FC of Australia’s Westfield W-League. There, Alleway paired up with Pride teammate Steph Catley to lead the Melbourne backline to a seven-match shutout streak and just five goals allowed to opponents in the club’s undefeated season.



Prior to joining Melbourne City, Alleway played with the W-League’s Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory, and also had a stint with England’s Lincoln Ladies. In 2011, Alleway helped lead Brisbane to a W-League Grand Final Championship.



The defender made her first appearance with Australia’s Women’s National Team, the Matildas, under Sermanni in 2010 and has scored two goals for her country. Alleway appeared in all five of Australia’s matches during the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the Matildas ultimately bowing out to Japan. She also represented Australia during the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany.



Alleway and the Matildas begin the AFC Olympic Qualifying Tournament on February 29, with a rematch against No. 4 ranked Japan. The tournament, which is played until March 9, will provide two teams for the Rio Olympics as both teams that reach the final match will qualify for the Summer Games.



Season tickets for the Pride are currently available starting at $14 per game. To purchase season tickets, fans can call 855-ORL-CITY or visit: www.orlandocitysc.com/pride/tickets. The sale of single-game tickets will be announced at a later date. The full 2016 Pride schedule is now available at www.orlandocitysc.com/pride/schedule.

Laura Alleway

Position: Defender

Nationality: Australia

Date of Birth: November 28, 1989

Birthplace: Templestowe, Australia

Height: 5-10

Previous club: Melbourne City FC

How acquired: Signed as a Discovery Player on March 4, 2016