Orlando Pride Trade Goalkeeper Carly Nelson to Utah Royals

The Orlando Pride made their second trade with the Utah Royals this off-season, sending Carly Nelson out west. In exchange for the backup goalkeeper and $65,000 in Allocation Money, the Pride received a 2024 international roster spot. Nelson is originally from Lindon, UT, not far from Salt Lake City, and played college soccer at the University of Utah.

“Carly was a very important piece to our goalkeeping corps this season, pushing the group each day, contributing to the culture we are building, and putting in strong performances when she was called upon,” Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter said in a club press release. “We were excited to bring her back to the NWSL this past season and will certainly miss her, but we are so happy to help her return home to Utah to be closer to her family. Carly is an incredible asset to any locker room, we wish her nothing but the best, and we look forward to seeing her on and off the field in the future.”

It’s the second time this off-season the Pride have sent a Utah native back to their home state, trading Mikayla Cluff to the Royals for expansion draft protection on Nov. 15. The pair played together on the Utah Royals reserve team during the club’s initial stint in the league.

The Pride acquired Nelson on Jan. 29 from Danish side FC Nordsjælland. The goalkeeper made four appearances this season (three in the NWSL regular season and one in the Challenge Cup), coming off the bench once to replace Anna Moorhouse when she was sent off in the third minute against OL Reign on Sept. 3. She played well in that game, only losing 1-0 with 10 players, and won the next game 2-1 over the North Carolina Courage during Moorhouse’s suspension.

“Reflecting on my time at Orlando, it has been nothing short of growth,” Nelson said in a club press release. “The women on this team are exceptional and I want to continue to extend heartfelt wishes for their continued success. I had the privilege to play alongside incredible individuals that together created something truly special. Their dedication and camaraderie has been inspiring, and I’ll deeply miss being a part of such an extraordinary team. I want to extend a thank you to the club for assisting me to get back home. Lastly, I express immense gratitude for the unwavering support received from the fans. My time at Orlando might have been short, but the fans made it unforgettable as they always do.”

The 25-year-old goalkeeper played 265 minutes of regular season action, saving 10 of her 14 shots faced. She also played all 90 minutes of her Challenge Cup start, saving five of the six shots.

What It Means for Orlando

The Pride had a crowded goalkeeper room when they signed Finnish goalkeeper Sofia Manner on Dec. 1. Moorhouse is still under contract and Kaylie Collins signed a new deal prior to the end of the 2023 NWSL season. Room had to be made for the addition of Manner and this trade provides that space.

Nelson was arguably the best goalkeeper for the Pride this season, challenging Moorhouse for the starting spot. Despite her troubles earlier in the season, Pride Head Coach Seb Hines was adamant that Moorhouse was the team’s number one and would continue in that role — so much so that he put Moorhouse back into the starting lineup after Nelson had two strong performances late in the season.

The result of this trade is that we now know who the three goalkeepers will be for the Pride in 2024. The only question now is who will start as either Moorhouse or Manner will be forced to accept the backup role for the upcoming season.