ORLANDO, Fla. (March 23, 2018) - Orlando Pride have signed former University of Central Florida midfielder Bridget Callahan as a National Team Replacement player ahead of Saturdayās 2018 National Womenās Soccer League season opener.
Callahan, 21, joined the Pride as a non-roster invitee for the Clubās third preseason. The former UCF Knight finished her four years at the Orlando-based university in 2017, leading the team to a 13-2-3 overall record during her senior campaign. The Knights went undefeated in conference play, going 7-0-2 against conference opponents. Callahan and UCF reached the American Conference final, falling to the University of South Florida in penalty kicks. The team earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament, bowing out to Washington State in the opening round.
Over four years, the Hollywood, Fla. native totaled nine goals and two assists in 75 matches played.
National Team Replacement players can be signed when a National Team Player is away on international duty and do not count against the teamās 20-player roster limit. Currently, Orlandoās Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond are on duty with Australia as they begin preparations for FIFA Womenās World Cup Qualifying. More information on National Team Player Replacements can be found here
The Pride open the 2018 NWSL season on Saturday night, hosting Utah Royals FC at 7:30 p.m. ET. Tickets are available at orlando-pride.com/tickets or by calling (855) ORL-CITY.
Bridget Callahan
Position: Midfield
Height: 5-5
Born: April 16, 1996
Hometown: Hollywood, Fla.
College: University of Central Florida
Citizenship: USA
Acquired: Signed as a National Team Player Replacement on March 23, 2018