Angel City Acquires Messiah Bright through Trade with Orlando Pride

Angel City announced today that the team has acquired forward Messiah Bright from Orlando Pride. In exchange, Orlando Pride will receive $130,000 in intra-league transfer funds. 

“I am so honored to have this opportunity to join ACFC and call LA my home,” said Bright. “This group looks so special and I can’t wait to be a part of it. I want to bring the very best version of myself and only push every day to get better. I’m excited to touch the pitch soon and meet the team and technical staff. I can’t wait to bring the energy to the amazing fans at BMO Stadium…let the fun begin!”

“Messiah stepped into this league as a first-time professional last season and demonstrated that she belonged,” said ACFC General Manager Angela Hucles Mangano. “She has an uncanny ability to find the back of the net and we’re looking forward to seeing her do that in an Angel City uniform.”

Bright, who was named a finalist for 2023 NWSL Rookie of the Year, led all NWSL rookies with seven goals, 6.2 expected goals and 29 successful take-ons in all competitions. In August 2023, she became the first player in NWSL history to earn both NWSL Player and Rookie of the Month honors in the same month after scoring three goals in four matches, including her first career brace against North Carolina Courage. 

Originally from Dallas, Texas, Bright was selected No. 21 overall by Orlando in the 2023 NWSL Draft after a successful four years at TCU. She finished her career as a Horned Frog with 50 goals and 17 assists in 102 match appearances. In 2021, she compiled 17 goals, setting the program record for goals scored in a single season. She earned All-BIG 12 honors in each of her five years with the Horned Frogs, and was a two-time United Soccer Coaches All-American. 

Bright has earned call-ups to the 2022 U-23 U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), where she was named to the roster for the 2022 Thorns Invitational and returned to the squad for the Sweden U-23 Three Nations Tournament. In 2018, she was named to the U-18 USYNT training camps in Florida and Switzerland.