ORLANDO, Fla. (March 21, 2018) - Orlando Pride acquires Swedish defender Lotta Ökvist from the Houston Dash in exchange for the Pride’s natural third-round pick in the 2019 NWSL College Draft.

As former member of the Boston Breakers and a 2018 NWSL Dispersal Draft selection, Ökvist will not count against the Pride salary cap or roster maximum for the 2018 season. In addition, Ökvist’s international roster spot will transfer with her to the Pride. More information on her roster status can be found here.

“We’re very happy to bring another young, left-footed and versatile player to the Pride,” Head Coach Tom Sermanni said. “Lotta’s style of play fits in with the way we compete on the field. We’re excited to welcome her to Orlando.”

Ökvist was selected by the Dash with the 13th pick of the Dispersal Draft after the Boston Breakers ceased operations in January. Before signing with the Breakers during the 2017-18 offseason, Ökvist featured for Pitea IF in her hometown of Piteå, Sweden. With Pitea, Ökvist featured in 25 matches during the 2016-17 Damallsvenskan season. It was Ökvist’s second stint with the club, as she started her professional club career years earlier with Piteå. The 21-year-old played one season, 2016-17, with Umeå IK.

On the international stage, Ökvist led her country to the 2015-16 UEFA U-19 Women’s Championship. Prior to that, she was a member of Sweden’s U-17 Women’s National Team.

The Orlando Pride open the 2018 NWSL season on Saturday night, hosting Utah Royals FC at 7:30 p.m. at Orlando City Stadium. Tickets to the match, as well as season and group tickets, can be purchased at orlando-pride.com/tickets or by calling (855) ORL-CITY.

Lotta Ökvist (Loh-tuh UHK-vist)

Position: Defense

Height: 5-5

Born: February 2, 1997

Hometown: Piteå, Sweden

College: n/a

Citizenship: Sweden

Acquired: via trade with Houston Dash on March 21, 2018