Jacquie Ovalle signs with Orlando Pride, breaking transfer records and signaling a bold new era for the club
Jacquie Ovalle, one of Liga MX Femenil’s brightest stars, is joining Orlando Pride, a move that not only elevates the team but also sets a new benchmark in women’s soccer transfers. Ovalle has spent much of her career with Tigres, where she played nearly 300 games, scored 136 goals, and helped win nine trophies. Her scorpion-kick goal from March went viral, underscoring her flair and finishing ability.
The pathway to this groundbreaking signing began months ago when Orlando Pride’s scouting network identified Ovalle as one of the most dynamic players in Liga MX Femenil. The club was drawn to her creativity and technical prowess, as evidenced by the nickname she has earned—La Maga (The Magician)—and the impact she’s shown on the field. The Pride aren’t just chasing a transfer record; they’re aiming to build a roster capable of contending for championships while also raising the profile of women’s soccer globally.
This move comes on the heels of a similarly high-profile investment last year, when Orlando Pride signed Barbra Banda in 2024, another major transaction for the league. Ovalle’s arrival adds a dynamic wide attacker to the mix, a player who can threaten defenses with her pace, vision, and ability to create from wide positions as well as contribute with goals.
On the field, Ovalle is expected to be a seamless fit for Pride head coach Seb Hines’s multi-faceted attacking setup. Hines described her as highly skilled and versatile, capable of operating on either flank. He noted that her one-on-one ability, calm finishing under pressure, and experience on the sport’s biggest stages will provide the team with a different type of goal-threat compared with the existing attackers. In short, Ovalle’s presence should help unlock defenses and create new avenues for goals as Orlando continues to push for trophies.
Off the field, the signing was equally important for Pride general management and culture. Haley Carter, Pride vice president of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director, emphasized Ovalle’s professionalism and genuine enthusiasm for competing in the NWSL. Carter underscored Ovalle’s readiness to serve as a positive ambassador for the club and the league, noting that she’ll be sharing a locker room with other world-class players like Marta and Banda and embracing the responsibility that comes with being a high-profile signing.
The Wilf family, owners of the Pride since 2022, have driven a strategic program of investments designed to transform the club into a championship-caliber organization. Carter highlighted the Wilfs’ active involvement in strategic planning and their willingness to back the club’s evaluation process. This ownership approach, she said, enables Orlando to attract and retain elite international talent, benefiting not only the Pride but the broader NWSL.
Summary
Orlando Pride’s acquisition of Jacquie Ovalle marks a landmark moment for the club and the league, combining a proven scorer and playmaker with a culture of excellence and ambitious leadership. The signing complements Barbra Banda and Marta on a potent attack and signals the Pride’s ongoing commitment to competing for championships while elevating the profile of women’s soccer globally.
What this signing means for Orlando Pride and the league
– Immediate on-field impact: Ovalle’s versatility and ability to create from wide areas give the Pride another dynamic option and help diversify their attacking threat.
– Brand and league exposure: A high-profile transfer of this magnitude helps attract global attention to the NWSL and its players.
– Long-term competitiveness: The signing, aligned with the club’s culture and ownership strategy, strengthens Orlando’s core as they aim for sustained success.
– Player development and recruitment pipeline: The move reinforces Orlando’s position as a destination for top international talent, potentially encouraging more players to consider the NWSL as a premier league.
Positive take
Ovalle’s arrival embodies a hopeful trajectory for the Pride and the league: a club backed by committed owners, guided by a clear strategic plan, and strengthened by players capable of delivering on-field success and inspiring the next generation of athletes. Her proven track record, coupled with the presence of Marta and Banda, positions Orlando Pride to push for championships while continuing to raise the profile of women’s soccer worldwide.