Copper Queens midfielder Prisca Chilufya has left Liga MX Femenil side Fútbol Club Juárez Femenil and is reportedly set for a move to United States National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club Orlando Pride.
Chilufya’s move from Mexico to the United States was revealed at a press conference attended by the speedy Copper Queens midfielder, FC Juarez sports director Jesús Mesta and coach Óscar Fernández.
FC Juarez considers Chilufya’s move to the NWSL as historic. The former Red Arrows midfielder could link up with Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda and midfielder Grace Chanda at the reigning NWSL champions.
“There has been an offer from a team in the United States for Prisca and the decision has been made to take this option and Prisca will become a player for a team in the National Women’s Soccer League. We are very proud of Prisca, the entire women’s team, and Óscar,” Mesta said at a press conference.
“From a sporting point of view, it is a difficult decision for us because we are losing a reference point within the team both on and off the pitch. It is very important for us that our players can take steps forward and fulfil their own dreams,” Coach Oscar Fernandez said.
The coach also highlighted Prisca’s growth as a player and as a teammate, recognising her effort and dedication.
“She is a player that any coach would want to work with because she puts everything on the pitch, she tries to learn a lot and obviously this evolution that she has had is first of all thanks to her and also to the work group and her teammates,” Fernandez added.
Visibly moved, Chilufya also had words of thanks for the club, the city and her teammates:
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the city, the club, the coaching staff and the players. They have meant a lot to me, not only as friends, but as my family. The city has been like my home, the club has been like my family,” Chilufya said.
“I am very happy to have been a part of this and to take this beautiful city with me wherever I go. This is my home, and whenever I think of my home, I will think of Juárez. Whenever I think of my family, I will think of the club and the people I have met.”
Chilufya joined Bravas in 2023 and immediately became a key member of the team. She scored 14 goals and qualified for two playoffs in the 2023/24 season.
Fernández analyzed the impact of Prisca’s departure on the team’s performance and highlighted the confidence he has in his squad and the team. Juarez has thanked Prisca Chilufya for her dedication and professionalism during her time with the team.
“Prisca’s departure will affect us more than anything in the game mechanism because in the end she had a lot of influence on our game, for me there are not only eleven players, they are all important, I have always moved the eleven a lot, I have always trusted a lot in all the players I have,” Fernández said.
