The Orlando Pride announced this afternoon that defender Carrie Lawrence is retiring from professional soccer. Lawrence joined the Pride in 2019, but her promising career was significantly impacted by a major injury.
“Carrie means so much to this club and the city of Orlando,” said Haley Carter, Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director, in a statement. “Being an Orlando native, a UCF alum, and a dedicated representative of the Pride embodies the exceptional person she is. Her resilience in overcoming injuries and her unwavering positivity are the traits we value most in our players. We are incredibly grateful for her contributions and look forward to supporting her as she transitions to the next phase of her life. Carrie will always be a part of our Pride family, and we’re excited to see what she accomplishes next.”
The 27-year-old first joined the Pride as a training player in 2019 and earned a short-term contract for the Fall Series on Sept. 8, 2020. Her performance secured her a one-year deal in January 2021, with an option for another season. After the 2022 season, the team signed her to a new two-year contract, which concluded in 2024.
Lawrence’s career was disrupted by an ACL tear during the 2023 preseason, sidelining her for the entire season. Upon her return, she found herself competing for a spot in a revamped defensive lineup. Although she saw some action this year, her most notable moment was a red card against the Kansas City Current in July.
She made her professional debut on Sept. 19, 2020, in a 0-0 draw with the North Carolina Courage, where she played 90 minutes and had a key goal-line clearance. Her final appearance came on Oct. 11, 2024, in a 2-0 loss to the Portland Thorns, where she started and played 65 minutes before being subbed off.
Over her career, the Orlando native made 33 appearances, including 23 starts, totaling 2,041 minutes and recording two assists. In 2024, she appeared in 11 matches across all competitions, starting five, playing 465 minutes, and contributing an assist.
“After dedicating my life to this sport, I’m incredibly blessed and grateful to announce my retirement,” Lawrence said in the club’s press release. “There’s no place I’d rather be than Orlando. From the start of my professional journey, this city has given me everything. Winning the shield and championship this year surpassed all my dreams, and the people here made it even more special. Orlando will always be home.”
Before joining the Pride, Lawrence played three seasons at UCF, making 49 appearances from 2016 to 2018. She tallied four goals, 11 assists, and earned second-team All-American Athletic Conference honors as a senior.
What It Means for Orlando
Carrie Lawrence played a vital role in the Pride’s defense before suffering a significant injury prior to the 2023 season. However, her role diminished as the team strengthened its back line, signing Brazilian international Rafaelle during the 2023 campaign and repositioning Kerry Abello as a left back. Additionally, Kylie Strom transitioned from left back to center back this year, further limiting opportunities for Lawrence to regain a regular spot on the field.
It appeared unlikely that the Pride would renew Lawrence’s contract after this season, likely prompting her to seek opportunities elsewhere. However, her engagement to Pride captain Marta, who has expressed intentions to play one or two more seasons—likely staying in Orlando—seems to have influenced her decision to retire from professional soccer.
Once seen as a key figure in the Pride’s lineup, Lawrence found herself on the sidelines as the team moved in a different direction defensively. Her retirement will have minimal impact on the team’s plans moving forward, aside from freeing up a roster spot for future additions.
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