Alex Morgan to Orlando Pride: Latest Trade Details, Comments and Reaction
NWSL star and United States international Alex Morgan was traded to the Orlando Pride on Monday, according to a press release from the Portland Thorns.
In exchange for Morgan and midfielder Kaylyn Kyle, the Thorns received the top overall pick in the 2015 expansion draft, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NWSL college draft and international roster spots for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
Thorns general manager Gavin Wilkinson spoke about the trade, per the release:
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"On behalf of the Thorns, I would like to thank Alex for her immense contributions both on and off the field during her three seasons with the club; she is a first-class professional and an amazing role model. By no means did we have plans to trade Alex, but this is a unique situation where we took into account her personal considerations and one that, by virtue of the considerable elements acquired through this trade, will position our club for success in 2016 and beyond.
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Morgan, 26, wanted to be dealt to Orlando so she could be closer to her husband, Orlando City midfielder Servando Carrasco, according to Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated. Per Wahl, Portland wouldn't have granted the star forward her request were it not for personal reasons.
In 34 starts and 36 overall appearances with Portland, she registered 15 goals and 11 assists.
Landing Morgan is a coup for Orlando's expansion team, as she'll bring both exposure and her exciting brand of play to the new franchise. She is one of the most popular and talented women's players in the world today and became the first woman to be featured on the FIFA 16 cover this season, appearing next to Lionel Messi on the front of the popular video game in the United States.
She also was a key figure and starter during the United States' 2015 World Cup triumph and should remain a superstar for many years to come for both club and country, so Orlando has to be thrilled with this deal, even if the club gave up a small fortune to land her.
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