The Orlando Pride signed 18-year-old striker Haley Bugeja on July 1 to a two-year contract lasting through the 2023 NWSL season. The teenager is one of the most coveted young players in the world and was a breakout star last year in Italy’s Serie A with US Sassuolo.
Despite fans clamoring to see the striker in action, the club took its time. Bugeja didn’t make her first appearance on the bench until Aug. 13 and she made her debut for the club on Sept. 21. The Pride lacked striker production this season but Bugeja didn’t get onto the field until the final three games.