Orlando Pride Sign Defender Ally Haran

The Orlando Pride announced today that the club has signed defender Ally Haran to a one-year contract. Haran played in the 2020 NWSL Fall Series with Orlando on a short-term deal and has been training with the club this spring. Now she’s officially on the roster.

“It’s been fun being able to be here throughout the preseason and finally earn the contract in order to be here and help the team,” Haran said.

Haran said that in her, fans can expect “someone who works hard and tracks back.”

“I can be able to help the team in aerial wins, hopefully, and just be a good teammate and help others,” she said.

“We’re pleased to officially add Ally to our squad for the upcoming season,” Orlando Pride General Manager Ian Fleming said. “She is a versatile piece for our back line, positionally aware, and her continuous development during preseason is a testament to the work that she’s put in thus far. We look forward to seeing that progress continue.”

The 24-year-old is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada. She appeared in two matches during the Fall Series last year and made an impact. She scored her first professional goal late in the final game against the North Carolina Courage to tie the match at 3-3 to cap a second-half rally from 3-0 down. Here’s a reminder of the play, set up by Marta’s service:

Prior to joining the Pride, Haran spent time with the Houston Dash and North Carolina Courage following a year in Iceland with UMF Selfoss. While in Iceland, she started 19 matches and netted two goals, earning her way onto the Pepsi-Deildin 2018 Team of the Year.

Haran played her college soccer at Wake Forest University, appearing in 67 matches (66 starts) for the Demon Deacons from 2014-17. She scored four career goals and added three assists. Haran was part of a Wake Forest back line that kept 11 clean sheets her senior season.

At the international level, Haran has featured for both the Canadian and U.S. U-20 sides, as well as the United States U-19 team.

What It Means for Orlando

Defense was an area of need for the Pride this off-season, particularly with the possibility of losing a player or two to international duty at times in 2021. Haran is a known quantity for the team. She’s also still young and has the potential to grow her game.

Haran has already demonstrated an ability to latch onto aerial balls, which will only benefit Marc Skinner’s team. She should improve the depth of the Pride back line. Ultimately, this looks to be a good move with little downside.