Argentina once again has a soccer player in the United States: La Roquette will play in Orlando

Argentina once again has a football representative for the current world champions, the United States, since Orlando Pride announced the arrival of Mariana Laroquette. The forward already had NWSL experience in a Kansas City jersey.

Orlando Pride have signed striker Mariana Laroquette, it was announced today. A member of Argentina’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad, Laroquette will join the Pride following the team’s run in competition, signing with Orlando through the 2025 NWSL season in Florida.

“LaRue is a player we’re excited to add to our squad because of her skills both on the field and in the locker room,” said Haley Carter, Orlando Pride’s Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager. “She’s a player with a high level of technical ability, whilst also being able to adapt to our style with plenty of energy and an unyielding work rate. In addition, his previous experience playing in our league will be instrumental in his ability to quickly make an impact on the pitch, We are very excited to welcome him back to Orlando after his World Cup stint.”

La Roquette is currently concentrating with the Argentine national team on the Ezeiza estate, preparing for the trip to New Zealand, the home of the team during the World Cup group stage.

“I am very happy with this new stage in the NFL, and even more so that I am standing up for such a great team as Orlando. I am ready to direct all the feelings and desires that I have into the results of this club,” said La Roquette. “I am also very grateful to the Orlando staff. For trusting me and giving me this beautiful challenge in my sporting career. Orlando has a new warrior who will give everything in every match to show my respect and faith in this team,” added the former UAI Urquiza.

Joining the Pride, Larroquette returns to the NWSL after previously reporting for the Kansas City Current during the team’s inaugural year in 2021. That season, Larroquette made 19 appearances, scoring two goals and adding one assist.

After his time in the United States, he spent a year with Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon before joining Mexican club Lyon last year. While in Mexico, Laroquette made 26 appearances, scored nine goals and finished tenth in total shots (88) in Liga MX.

The 30-year-old striker started her professional career with River Plate between 2010 and 2015 and has also spent time with Universidad de Chile (Chile), UAI Urquiza (Argentina) and Lyn (Norway).

In 2019, Laroquette helped lead Argentina to a runner-up finish at the Pan American Games, scoring four goals in the tournament. She also participated in the Copa América Femenina tournament and the 2008 and 2012 editions of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Now she will be associated with the club until 2025 and will wear jersey number 7. Along with Estefania Panini and Paulina Gramaglia, they are the only three Argentines to have played in the MLS.