Sermanni back in the fray as Orlando arrive - WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
 |
| Getty Images |
Orlando Pride have been announced as the newest team in USA’s professional NWSL competition, with former Australia and USA coach Tom Sermanni named to lead the new side.
The Florida-based club are the league’s tenth club and second expansion side, with the competition commencing in 2013.
The Pride is owned and operated by MLS club Orlando City SC, and will take its place in the competition for the start of the 2016 NWSL season.
Sermanni, a Scottish-born Australian national, is a highly experienced coach at both club and international level. He is the only Australian to coach a professional women’s team, having done so with New York Power in the now defunct WUSA.
He took Australia to two quarter-finals appearances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup™, and one Asian crown, during a successful eight-year tenure in charge of the Matildas. More recently, he was in charge of the Stars and Stripes for two years until Jill Ellis assumed the reins in 2014.
"Orlando has proven itself as a hotbed of soccer in the country, and I look forward to building on that legacy of success with the Orlando Pride," said Sermanni.
"Over the course of the coming weeks and months, I will work closely with the Club's General Manager Paul McDonough to build our technical staff and roster, attracting some of the best talent in women's professional soccer to Orlando. I am eager to get started and look forward to the 2016 season."
The Pride will play in the Orlando Citrus Bowl for the start of 2016 season, eventually transitioning to the club's new downtown stadium when construction is completed