Pugh, 19, announced she was leaving UCLA last month and her future had been up in the air since making her decision public.
Sources: MLS receives offers for Larin
The Colorado native received strong interest from abroad and reportedly balked at the chance to play in Washington, but the NWSL side has now reached an agreement to sign one of American soccer’s most promising talents.
“This is a monumental moment for our club and the NWSL,” Spirit head coach and general manager Jim Gabarra said in a news release. “We are extremely humbled and grateful for the opportunity to develop such a talented player. We look forward to having Mallory join the Spirit family.”
“I am very excited to begin my career in the NWSL and with the Washington Spirit,” said Pugh. “Being part of a professional team will allow me to grow and develop as a player, and I look forward to helping the Spirit win championships.”
“We are thrilled with the addition of Mallory Pugh to the NWSL and excited to have her join the Washington Spirit,” NWSL Managing director of operations Amanda Duffy said in a league press release. “Mallory’s a dynamic talent and one of the top young players in the world. We look forward to her continued development at the club and international levels in the years to come.”
The Spirit have picked up just one win in their first four matches of the NWSL season and are in action Saturday against the Seattle Reign, though Pugh will not be involved.
