With Steph Catley’s contract signed this week, the Orlando Pride defense is shaping up to be one of the best in the country. Possible starting defenders include Ali Krieger, Alanna Kennedy, Monica Hickmann Alves, Steph Catley, and Laura Alleway. With Krieger, Kennedy, Catley, and Alleway on the back four, and Monica playing defending midfielder, this defense will give even the best of the NWSL a run for their money.
Catley, Alleway, and Kennedy are all defenders for the Australian Women’s National Team. Last season, Sermanni talked about a lack of chemistry on the team simply because the squad had not played together; Kennedy, Alleway, and Catley will not be lacking that.