Ovalle's got game and fortune

With $1.5-million move, she’s most expensive player in women’s soccer

- By EDUARD CAUICH

MEXICAN STRIKER Lizbeth Ovalle (11) is making the record jump to the NWSL with the Orlando Pride.

When she was 15, Lizbeth Jacqueline Ovalle traveled alone by bus for up to nine hours to play for the Mexican national team, with no payment other than the cost of her ticket.

Her talent and determination helped her play in the U17 World Cup and make her 2017 debut in the then-nascent Liga MX Femenil, where she won six league titles.

On Thursday, the Mexican striker became the most expensive player in women’s soccer history when she moved from Tigres de la UANL to the Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League via a $1.5-million transfer.

Transfer records seem to be short-lived in women’s soccer, reflecting the sport’s growth worldwide and clubs’ willingness to pay for talent. Before Ovalle’s transfer, the most expensive transfer was that of Canadian Olivia Smith from Liverpool to Arsenal for $1.34 million, a transaction that took place in July. In January, American Naomi Girma was transferred from the San Diego Wave to Chelsea for $1.1 million.

“We are deeply committed to building championship-caliber teams year after year and this landmark signing is a reflection of that focus,” Orlando Pride owner Mark Wilf said in a news release announcing Ovalle’s arrival.

Known for her speed and one-on-one skills, Ovalle, 25, chose Orlando after six NWSL teams tried to sign her.