Watch: Excited to land in the NWSL, says Orlando Pride’s Haley Bugeja

Maltese forward Haley Bugeja is excited to land in a top championship like the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States.

Speaking to Orlando Pride’s social media channels, the former Mġarr United striker underlined her excitement in being part of the team and of having the opportunity to perform on such a big stage.

“Right now, I am very overwhelmed because I am not used to such a professional environment,” Bugeja explained.

“I am looking forward and excited to kickstart this adventure, and I am striving to get to know everyone from staff to players in this team.”

Bugeja, who scored 15 goals in 36 games at Sassuolo, admitted that she was immediately interesting in embarking on this adventure as soon as she heard of the interest from the Pride.

Asked about what she can bring to the team, the Malta forward said that she likes the pulsating style of football of the league and that as a forward she hopes she can bring plenty of goals too.

Bugeja underwent her first double session with her new team mates on Tuesday as they prepare for this weekend’s game against Kansas City Current.

Currently coached by former Premier League player Seb Hines, Orlando Pride sit eighth in the 12-team National Women’s Soccer League championship.

“It is too early to tell if she will be ready for minutes this weekend,” coach Hines told Austin David of the Orlando Soccer Journal.

“The staff will see how training the rest of the week goes before they make a decision.”

The Pride’s next game is on Sunday when they travel to Kansas, with sources telling the Times of Malta that she might be already selected for this fixture.

Their next home game, at the Exploria Stadium, is pencilled for August 8 against Angel City FC.

Viola duties

Malta U-19’s player Maya Lucia is continuing her trial at Serie A women side Fiorentina during their pre-season camp in Moena.

The Maltese youngster is under the guidance of coach Patrizia Panico and is continuing to gain valuable experience on a daily basis as she is training with some of the most important players in Italian football.

The Times of Malta understands that a decision about her future is yet to be taken.