Done Deal: Orlando Pride Sign a New Defensive Midfielder In a multimillion Dollar deal
Orlando Pride Sign Midfielder Morgan Gautrat to New Contract
Midfielder Morgan Gautrat Signs New Contract with Orlando Pride
Morgan Gautrat, a defensive midfielder, has signed with the Pride through 2025, with a mutual option to extend through 2026.
This afternoon, the Orlando Pride made the announcement that midfielder Morgan Gautrat has signed a new deal with the team. There is a mutual option for 2026, and the agreement expires after the 2025 NWSL season.
“Morgan has joined our team and already shown to be a valuable asset. In addition to turning in great, regular performances on the field, she has rapidly established herself as a resource for our younger players seeking direction and counsel off the field, according to a news release from the club issued by Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter. “Morgan has contributed his expertise and professionalism to our locker room. He understands how to succeed at both the club and international levels. We can’t wait to work with Morgan in the future.
On January 11, the Pride traded for Gautrat from the Kansas City Current. A 2024 international place and $50,000 in allocation money were transferred by the Pride to the Current in exchange for the seasoned defensive midfield player.
This season, Gautrat has made 14 appearances for the Pride in all competitions (three NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup and 13 regular season matches), with 9 starts and 711 minutes. When Haley McCutcheon was the right back, she started alongside Angelina, but in recent weeks, as both players have been out with injuries, she has alternated time with the Brazilian.
“I can’t wait to spend the next few years here with the Orlando Pride.” According to the club’s news release, Gautrat stated, “I’m excited to be a part of this culture and what we have here, which is something really special. “Playing professionally here after growing up in Florida has just strengthened my sense that Orlando is my home. I am appreciative of the chance to carry on representing this badge, and I’ll do everything in my power to support the club in reaching its objectives.
The Houston Dash selected Gautrat first overall in the 2015 NWSL Draft, following him from the University of Virginia. Before joining the Pride, she played for the Chicago Red Stars, the Current, and the French team Olympique Lyonnais.
At both the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Gautrat represented the United States internationally. On June 15, 2013, the native of St. Simons Island, Georgia, made her debut with the senior team. She has eight goals and eleven assists in 88 games for her nation. She was a member of the American squads that won the World Cup in both 2015 and 2019.
Orlando’s Implications
The Pride had a complete makeover over the past few years, bringing in fresh players to replace older veterans. They felt they could contend this year after they almost missed out on the playoffs in 2023. They added Gautrat and other veterans to the team to compensate for this.
Even though Gautrat hasn’t been a regular starter for the Pride, her depth has been helpful, particularly during Angelina’s injury. On the depth chart, she is currently behind McCutcheon and Angelina, but when one of them gets hurt, McCutcheon is needed on the back line, or Angelina is away on international service with Brazil, she will take over as the starting player.
Due to her history of injuries over the last few years, the midfielder was traded from Kansas City and was not included in the national team. She had a concussion and a lower leg injury this year, which led to some of those issues. She has, meanwhile, been healthy for the majority of the season and adds experience to a youthful locker room, which makes her an important member of the 2025 team.
