Orlando Pride Acquire Midfielder Morgan Gautrat in Trade with Kansas City Current

The Orlando Pride acquired midfielder Morgan Gautrat (née Brian) this morning in a trade with the Kansas City Current. The club also received $50,000 in Allocation Money in exchange for a 2024 international roster spot.

“Morgan is a great addition to our roster. She’s a veteran in this league and knows what it takes to win at both the club and international level,” Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter said in a club press release. “Morgan’s talent, experience, and leadership skills make her a great fit for what we are building here. We are looking forward to seeing her in a Pride jersey and can’t wait to help her get back on the pitch this season.” 

The 30-year-old is an NWSL veteran after being drafted by the Houston Dash with the first overall pick in the 2015 NWSL Draft. She was traded to the Chicago Red Stars in Aug. 2017, staying with the club through the 2022 season. While in Chicago, Gautrat helped the Red Stars to four playoff appearances in 62 games, scoring six goals. Additionally, she spent time with French giants Olympique Lyonnais in 2018, playing four games and contributing one goal and one assist.

The Current signed the St. Simon Island, GA native as a free agent on Dec. 7, 2022 to a two-year deal. However, she only took part in seven games in all competitions for her new club due to injuries. The midfielder is looking for a fresh, injury-free start with the Pride in 2024.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Orlando Pride organization. The club is building something special, and I look forward to being a part of it,” Gautrat said in the club’s release. “I grew up playing soccer in Florida, so it’s a place near and dear to my heart. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to work hard with this team to bring a championship to the city.” 

At the international level, Gautrat played for the United States Women’s National Team at the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. She made her senior team debut on June 15, 2013 and was a member of the 2016 Summer Olympic team as well as winning the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cups with the USWNT. She’s made a total of 88 appearances for the Stars & Stripes, recording eight goals and 11 assists.

Prior to her professional career, Gautrat played at the University of Virginia from 2011-2014 where she amassed 41 goals and 43 assists. She was named All-ACC, All-Region, and was a two-time MAC Hermann Trophy winner in 2013 and 2014.

What This Means for Orlando

After going through a full rebuild, the Pride almost made the NWSL playoffs in 2023 for the second time in team history and the club is showing its dedication to putting together a winner in 2024. Gautrat fills a position of need, as she can join the defensive midfield, which lost Mikayla Cluff to the Utah Royals for expansion draft protection and Viviana Villacorta to an ACL injury late last season.

The Pride built up their attack and defensive line the last two years and have been working on the defensive midfield this off-season. They signed Brazilian internationals Luana and Angelina, both of whom can start in that position, and Gautrat fills a similar need. Additionally, she can play on the wing, displaying the versatility that Seb Hines craves in his players.

Gautrat only has one year remaining on her current deal and the Pride didn’t have to give up much for her, so this trade is a bit of a flier to determine if she can remain healthy after two injury-filled seasons. If she can stay on the field, the midfielder can be a huge help with her league and playoff experience. If she’s unable to remain healthy, the club has other options at the position. Regardless, Gautrat provides the leadership qualities that will benefit a young team.