Orlando Pride trade Kristen Edmonds to Kansas City, add Gunny Jónsdóttir

The Orlando Pride added two veteran league midfielders in a trade with Kansas City, acquiring Gunny Jónsdóttir and the rights to Erika Tymrak in exchange for veteran forward Kristen Edmonds and a second-round pick in the 2022 draft.

Both midfielders will bring depth and experience to the Pride, joining new midfield additions Meggie Dougherty-Howard and Jade Moore.

Although Tymrak retired in 2020, Orlando Pride general manager Ian Fleming said Tymrak expressed interest in returning to the game with Orlando, sparking her inclusion in the trade.

Jónsdóttir is a consistent member of the Icelandic national team, making her debut in 2013 and leading the group in the UEFA Women’s Championship. She scored 10 goals in 74 caps, while earning five trophies in the Icelandic league.

In her three seasons in the NWSL, Jónsdóttir netted two goals and added six assists across 52 appearances.

Despite her national team experience, the midfielder holds a green card and will not take up one of the Pride’s international spots.

“We’re extremely pleased to add Gunny to our squad,” Pride general manager Ian Fleming said. “Her experience, both within this league and at the international level, paired with her skill and versatility will add a dimension to how we play. Her ability will not only bring the best out of her, but will raise our level of play as a team.”

Another experienced midfield addition, Tymrak retired in January 2020 after a seven-year career in the NWSL, sitting on the sidelines for the 2020 Challenge Cup and Fall Series.

Tymrak spent all seven seasons with the same organization, moving from FC Kansas City to the Utah Royals as the club changed cities. She was named 2013 Rookie of the Year during her time in Kansas City, where she won back-to-back NWSL titles.

The midfielder netted 19 goals in 125 total NWSL appearances. She earned international experience during several call-ups to the U.S. women’s national team in 2013, scoring against Brazil during her second cap.

The move will bring Tymrak close to home — the midfielder grew up in Lakewood Ranch, attending IMG Academy before spending her college career at the University of Florida.

“I was also very excited to find that Erika wanted to return to the sport and, specifically, to be a part of the Pride family,” Fleming said. “She is a proven competitor at this level, reflected by her accolades in this league and past experience with the U.S. women’s national team. I look forward to seeing her back at her best as a member of our club.”

The trade marked the departure of Edmonds, who was one of four remaining players from the inaugural Pride roster. She notched 10 goals and two assists during five seasons with the Pride, earning the club’s Golden Boot in the 2016 inaugural season.

Edmonds was an active member of the Orlando soccer community and is the Lake Highland Prep varsity girls soccer coach.

“While we’re sad to see Kristen moving on, I’m very happy that she is going to have a fantastic opportunity to be a part of an exciting project in Kansas City,” Fleming said. “Kristen has been with the Pride since the club’s inception, and we are indebted to her time spent helping to build it to where we stand today. We wish her nothing but the best moving forward and thank her for everything she has done for both our club and the Orlando community.”

The Pride will begin preseason training on Monday with the NWSL Challenge Cup set to begin on April 9. Players still negotiating contracts can participate in preseason workouts.

Orlando Pride roster

UNDER CONTRACT FOR 2021:

Goalkeepers (3): Ashlyn Harris, Erin McLeod, Brittany Wilson

Defenders (8): Courtney Petersen, Konya Plummer, Carson Pickett, Ali Riley, Ali Krieger, Toni Pressley, Carrie Lawrence, Phoebe McClernon

Midfielders (7): Chelsee Washington, Jade Moore, Meggie Dougherty-Howard, Marisa Viggiano, Jordyn Listro, Gunny Jónsdóttir, Erika Tymrak

Forwards (3): Taylor Kornieck, Marta, Alex Morgan

DRAFTED BUT UNSIGNED:

Goalkeepers (1): Kaylie Collins

Midfielders (2): Viviana Villacorta, Mikayla Colohan

Forwards (1): Kerry Abello

IN CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS:

Midfielders (3): Camila, Emily van Egmond

Forwards (1): Sydney Leroux

This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Julia Poe at jpoe@orlandosentinel.com.