Orlando Pride trade defender Courtney Petersen to Houston Dash

The Orlando Pride traded the rights to defender Courtney Petersen and a 2024 third-round draft pick to the Houston Dash in exchange for up to $90,000 in Allocation Money the club announced Wednesday. The Pride will receive $65,000 in Allocation Money with an additional $25,000 dependent on certain conditions.

"We worked hard to get this deal done early in the year in order to provide her the time to get situated before the season starts," Orlando Pride general manager Haley Carter said in the club statement. "We thank her for everything and wish her nothing but the best as she moves to Houston.”

Petersen wasn't on the Pride's 28-player training camp roster.

Orlando drafted Petersen with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2020 NWSL Draft out of the University of Virginia. She played 54 games across all competitions for the Pride, starting with the Fall Series in 2020. Peterson made 19 appearances this past season. She made nine starts and provided two assists.

Petersen had a decorated college career before debuting with the Pride in 2020. She represented the US U20 national team while starring for the Cavaliers. She was a two-time All-ACC performer and anchored a strong Virginia defense throughout her career.