Malta women forward Haley Bugeja starts adventure at USA’s Orlando Pride

The American adventure has started for Maltese star Haley Bugeja as she underwent her first day as an Orlando Pride player.

The Malta women’s international, who will wear the number 7 shirt, embarked in the United States over the weekend, completing her medicals and going through the ritual photoshoot tasks that come along with an introductory presentation.

Bugeja, who has joined the Pride from Serie A side Sassuolo, is expected to join the team for her first training session this week.

Watch: Haley Bugeja ‘excited for new chapter’ as she signs with USA’s Orlando Pride.

Currently coached by former Premier League player Seb Hines, Orlando Pride sit eighth in the 12-team National Women’s Soccer League championship. The top six teams advance to the post-season play-offs which will determine the NWSL winner.

The Pride’s next game is on August 1 when they travel to Kansas City Current. Their next home game, at the Exploria Stadium, is pencilled for August 8 against Angel City FC.

Maya Lucia at Fiorentina

Meanwhile, Malta U-19’s star Maya Lucia has started her 10-day trial at Fiorentina Women as she travelled with the first-team to their pre-season camp in Moena.

Under the guidance of Italy women’s legend Patrizia Panico, coach of the Viola, the Raiders Lija player has joined a squad that includes former Spain captain Veronica Boquete, Alice Parisi who played with Italy during the 2019 Women’s World Cup and rising stars like Margherita Monnecchi and Martina Zanoli – both featuring for Italy U-23’s lately.

Read: Raiders Lija’s Maya Lucia set for Fiorentina Women’s trial.