'We're building for the future'. Viviana Villacorta signs two-year contract to stay with Orlando Pride
After a strong rookie season with the Orlando Pride, midfielder Viviana Villacorta has agreed to a new two-year contract that will take the No.9 through the 2024 season.
Returning from an ACL injury early in the season, Villacorta became a crucial part of the Pride midfield. Continually getting more playing time with each match, her season ended after suffering a disastrous ankle injury. An indispensable player, she played at least 45 minutes every time she appeared for Orlando.
Villacorta spent her college career at UCLA, where she became a United States national team representative at U18s, U19s and U20s levels. During this period she represented the United States 17 times securing six goals. Whilst playing for UCLA, she was given the chance to represent the Santa Clarita Blue Heat for three years in the United Women's Soccer League.
"Viv [Viviana Villacorta] has the potential to be one of the best players in our league and she showed that promise during her time on the field last year, so we are excited to keep her with the Pride for the next two seasons," Orlando coach Seb Hines said.
"She made an essential impact when she was on the pitch and contued to improve as the season went on. Her injury was an unfortunate end to a strong rookie season, but she has been working as hard as she can to e able to be ready for 2023," he continued.
Selected 9th in the 2021 NWSL Draft, she, unfortunately, missed the entire 2021 season due to an ACL injury. With the injury, she didn't end up making her debut until the start of the 2022 season. However, she appeared in 15 games starting in 13 of them for the Pride.
A versatile midfielder, she will be looking to work on her attacking presence in the off-season. She has showed her attacking talent through her international youth and collegiate career but has yet to show it in the NWSL.
The California native, finished the season with 82.1% passing accuracy, 64.3% success rate of tackles, winning more than 50% of duels in defence and only conceding six fouls whilst winning 14.
"I'm so grateful to be able to play for this club and community for more than two years. We're building for the future and I'm so happy to be a part of it," the 23-year old midfielder said.
"I can't wait to get back out on the field next year and to see all of our fans back at Exploria Stadium."
The new season of the National Women's Soccer League will come back on March 25, 2023.