Orlando Pride sets up a short-term look at two strong players out of college | OneFootball

The Orlando Pride has recently taken a scouting turn that will fascinate the rest of the NWSL. Instead of gathering depth for a position, they recently signed a forward, then a midfielder, and finally a goalkeeper.

One newly acquired player for each major soccer position is what the Orlando Pride recently and successfully recruited. They first signed speedy striker Prisca Chilufya. She has been on a three-year deal through 2027.

Now they have signed midfielder Aryssa Mahrt and goalkeeper DeAira Jackson to short-term contracts.

With short-term contracts, neither Mahrt nor Jackson are expected to start immediately. However, it’s important to the organization to sign these two players long enough to get detailed examinations.

Both players started California colleges before transferring and showing up on the radar of Pride scouts. Their careers after transfers were so brilliant, that the scouts didn’t even need radar.

Their achievements were impossible to miss.

Mahrt transferred to the University of Wisconsin from the University of San Diego. In three seasons with the Badgers, she appeared in 62 matches, scoring 21 goals and providing 15 assists. Last season, she led the team with 10 goals, starting in all 21 matches – totaling 1,623 minutes.

In a match against Loyola Chicago, she scored two of the three goals for Wisconsin. Also, she scored the game-winner against the University of Connecticut and tallied a season-high five shots on target against Milwaukee.

Jackson forged a historic 2024 season as a senior with Grand Canyon University. She was All-Western Athletic Conference First Team and Goalkeeper of the Year.

She broke the all-time shutout record in Grand Canyon history with 16 clean sheets, nine in 2024. In 2024 she set a single-season record for the university.

Supporters will soon see these two women during their short-term contract looks with the team. While scouts and coaches complete their notes, Orlando Pride supporters will know why this look is warranted.