Orlando Pride Acquire Defender Carson Pickett from Racing Louisville FC

The Orlando Pride announced today that the club has acquired former Pride defender Carson Pickett from Racing Louisville FC in exchange for $75,000 in Allocation Money. The Florida State product previously played with Orlando from 2018 through 2020.

“We’re very excited to welcome Carson back to Orlando,” Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter said in a club press release. “She’s a player who has proven herself year-over-year in the league and brings additional quality and depth to our back line, including a strong aerial presence. In addition to what she can contribute on the field, Carson has a great connection with our fans and the Orlando community, and is an excellent fit for our locker room and team culture. We look forward to welcoming her back to her home state and seeing her back in purple soon.” 

The two-time NWSL Best XI honoree, Pickett spent the last two seasons in Louisville, making 36 appearances (35 starts), scoring one goal and adding an assist. Prior to her move to Louisville, Pickett was with the North Carolina Courage from 2021 through 2022, scoring one goal and providing 11 assists — leading the league in the latter category her second season with the Courage — in 45 appearances. She earned NWSL Best XI honors in both seasons and was an NWSL Defender of the Year finalist at the end of each season as well. While with the Courage, Pickett was a member ot the team that won the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup and was named to the All-Tournament Team.  

The Pride originally acquired Pickett on Jan. 29, 2018 in a trade with the Seattle Reign. Orlando traded defender Steph Catley to Seattle for Pickett and midfielder Christine Nairn. During her first stint with the Pride, the Fleming Island native made 39 appearances across the 2018 and 2019 seasons. She did not play with the club in the pandemic season of 2020.

“I am so excited to be back in Orlando with the Pride,” Pickett said in the club’s release. “Orlando has always held a special place in my heart and to be able to come back and play in my home state is an absolute honor. Haley and Seb have created the kind of environment and culture that any professional would love to be a part of, and I can’t wait to join the team and help bring an NWSL championship to Orlando. I’m so excited to reconnect with all of the Pride fans and to have the opportunity to represent them once again.” 

Before her first move to Orlando, Pickett played in 36 matches with Seattle, registering one assist. The Reign selected her out of Florida State with the No. 4 overall pick in 2016. She also played in Australia’s A-League with the Brisbane Roar for three seasons during the NWSL off-season from 2017 to 2020.

Pickett, who has played on the international stage with various U.S. youth teams, made her USWNT debut June 28, 2022 against Colombia. While in college, Pickett helped the Seminoles win the 2014 NCAA title, helping her team hold the opposition scoreless throughout the tournament.

What It Means for Orlando

The Pride have used multiple players at left back this season, but Pickett gives the team a stable force to use on that side of the back line. She’ll add another player to the roster who can serve quality set piece delivery into the box on corner kicks and free kicks.

Since leaving Orlando, Pickett has improved her game, especially her physicality with opponents. Her arrival will help an already solid squad in its attempt to win the club’s first trophy.