Orlando Pride Sign Defender Haley McCutcheon to a New Three-Year Deal

The Orlando Pride announced this evening that the club has signed defender Haley McCutcheon to a new three-year contract. The right back signed a contract extension after the 2022 season, keeping her in Orlando through 2024. This new deal will extend her stay through the 2026 season.

“Haley is not only a vital piece for our on-field success, she has also played an integral role in the culture we are building here,” Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter said in a club press release. “She has shown she is a fierce competitor and proven leader since joining the Pride. She has had an incredibly positive influence within the locker room and our community. On the pitch, Haley wants to win games and championships with this club, and we are so excited for her to continue her journey with us in Orlando.”

The Pride initially acquired McCutcheon in a trade with the Houston Dash on Aug. 18, 2022. She soon joined the starting lineup, sliding into the defensive midfield. When Seb Hines was hired as full-time head coach prior to last season, he moved McCutcheon to right back, where she’s became a regular part of the team’s defensive unit.

In a little over a year with the Pride, McCutcheon has made 32 appearances (28 starts) and recorded 2,561 minutes in all competitions. Her lone goal for the team came on April 29 in a 3-1 win over San Diego Wave FC, an equalizer in what ended up being the team’s first victory of the season.

During her first season as right back with the team, McCutcheon played in 26 games (22 starts) and recorded 2,188 minutes in all competitions. She had 12 blocks, 20 interceptions, won 31 of her 41 tackles (75.6%), 103 of her 142 duels (72.5%), 554 of her 790 passes (70.1%), and 17 of her 77 long passes (22%).

“I am hungry to bring a title to Orlando and am so thankful for the opportunity to do so over the next three seasons,” McCutcheon said in the club’s release. “The players, staff, and fans of this organization are world-class, and it is an honor to be a part of it. I am thrilled to be able to represent Orlando for the years to come.”

Prior to joining the Pride, McCutcheon was drafted with the seventh pick of the 2018 NWSL Draft by Houston. She made 100 appearances for the Dash before being traded and has made 132 total appearances in her NWSL career. The University of Nebraska product was a two-time All-Big 10 selection in college with 75 appearances, 19 goals, and seven assists.

What It Means for Orlando

Carter and Hines have been busy this off-season ensuring the defensive unit will continue long-term. Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, left back Kylie Strom, and center back Emily Madril have already signed extensions this off-season. The five starters in the back are now signed through at least 2025.

Hines experimented with Madril at right back early in the 2023 season, and she played well, but her best position is in the middle. McCutcheon solidified herself as the team’s right back last year and the club seems happy with the 27-year-old holding that position well into the future. Most importantly, the Pride now have their back line solidified for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. With a year under their belts, they should only improve and become an vital part of any success team has in the coming years.