NWSL & Canadian Soccer Federation Allocate Josée Belanger to Orlando Pride

Late this afternoon, the Canadian Soccer Federation, in conjunction with the National Women’s Soccer League, announced the list of allocated players for Canada. By the allocation process, the Orlando Pride added forward Josée Belanger to the roster. Belanger played overseas in Sweden with FC Rosengård, where she helped the team win Damallsvenskan, the highest division league in Sweden.

For Canada, Belanger has 39 caps with 33 starts and seven goals. This will be her first season in the NWSL and the first time she has been allocated by Canada. The placement of Canada's allocated individuals was accomplished using the league's prior placement processes, as that process began prior to the adoption of the new rule. The new Player Allocation Process, which was announced on Jan. 15, will be in effect moving forward to distribute the rights to any new individuals to clubs in the league.

Belanger will be joining fellow Canadian Kaylyn Kyle for the Pride’s inaugural season. Additionally, Belanger’s skills will add more diversity to the team, as she can also play right back in defense. She was named to the Olympic qualifying roster by Head Coach John Herdman as a fullback. Pride Coach Tom Sermanni is familiar with Belanger since his time as a special assistant to Herdman during the Women’s World Cup last year.

It's possible that the Coaticook, Quebec native could be the Canadian fullback Sermanni talked about on the Mane Land PawedCast back in December, if that's where he's planning on playing her.