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2 hours ago
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The Orlando Pride acquired Lizbeth Ovalle from Mexico’s Tigres UANL on Thursday for an international record transfer fee.
The Pride did not disclose terms of the agreement, but a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the Pride would pay a fee of $1.5 million. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the agreement with the National Women's Soccer League club had not yet been formally signed.
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The transfer fee surpasses the $1.3 million fee Arsenal paid Liverpool for Canadian striker Olivia Smith in the English Women’s Super League last month. That broke the previous record fee of $1.1 million that Chelsea paid the San Diego Wave for defender Naomi Girma in January.
Ovalle, who is known as Jacquie, was signed by the Pride through the 2027 season, with a mutual option for 2028.
"I’m very happy to join Orlando Pride,” Ovalle said in a statement released by the Pride. “I’m coming with the clear objective of winning titles and leaving a mark with the Club. I’m ready to give it my all and help Orlando Pride continue to be a leading team.”
A 25-year-old winger, Ovalle has led the Tigres of Liga MX Femenil to six titles since joining the club in 2017. She is the team’s all-time leading scorer with 136 goals.
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She’s also made 58 appearances for the Mexican national team with 20 goals.
Nicknamed La Maga (The Magician), Ovalle went viral on social media this year with a so-called “scorpion kick” goal, only facing away from the net, in a Tigres match against Guadalajara.
Ovalle is set to play in the Liga MX Femenil All-Star game against Barcelona on Friday before joining the Pride.
“This is a historic transfer not only for our institution, but also for Mexican and global soccer," Tigres said in a release announcing the deal. “The transfer of a player widely recognized as the best in the Liga MX Femenil has been finalized."
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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