ORLANDO, Fla. (March 23, 2018) - Orlando Pride have signed former University of Central Florida midfielder Bridget Callahan as a National Team Replacement player ahead of Saturday’s 2018 National Women’s Soccer League season opener.

Callahan, 21, joined the Pride as a non-roster invitee for the Club’s third preseason. The former UCF Knight finished her four years at the Orlando-based university in 2017, leading the team to a 13-2-3 overall record during her senior campaign. The Knights went undefeated in conference play, going 7-0-2 against conference opponents. Callahan and UCF reached the American Conference final, falling to the University of South Florida in penalty kicks. The team earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament, bowing out to Washington State in the opening round.

Over four years, the Hollywood, Fla. native totaled nine goals and two assists in 75 matches played.

National Team Replacement players can be signed when a National Team Player is away on international duty and do not count against the team’s 20-player roster limit. Currently, Orlando’s Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond are on duty with Australia as they begin preparations for FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying. More information on National Team Player Replacements can be found here

The Pride open the 2018 NWSL season on Saturday night, hosting Utah Royals FC at 7:30 p.m. ET. Tickets are available at orlando-pride.com/tickets or by calling (855) ORL-CITY.

Bridget Callahan

Position: Midfield

Height: 5-5

Born: April 16, 1996

Hometown: Hollywood, Fla.

College: University of Central Florida

Citizenship: USA

Acquired: Signed as a National Team Player Replacement on March 23, 2018