GUFC signs Alieya Pires; re-signs Haley Ward
Guelph United is happy to announce we signed Canadian defender Alieya Pires for the 2025 season; we have also re-signed Canadian defender Haley Ward, our reigning First Team U21 MVP.
Alieya Pires, 22, was born in Richmond Hill, ON, and most recently played in U Sports, with the Nipissing Lakers. In the last 2 seasons, she amassed 31 appearances, in a team that also featured another of our new signings, Hannah Neville. Before joining the Lakers, she spent 2 seasons in NCAA, playing in 9 matches for Western Illinois.
Alieya also had 2 stints in League1 Ontario. First, in 2019, she signed with Aurora FC, making her debut in the league at only 16 years old. Then, in 2022, she played in 9 games for Pickering FC.
“I chose Guelph United because it offers a competitive environment and a positive atmosphere for growth that will continue to assist me in my development as a soccer player. I look forward to working with the team and coaching staff towards a great season and a League1 title.”
Haley Ward is back with Guelph United after an impressive 2024 season, in which she appeared in 16 matches, on her way to the GUFC First Team U21 Award.
After the League1 season, the London, ON native played 14 matches for the Guelph Gryphons in U Sports.
Current roster, as of February 25 (new players in italics):
GK (1): Leana Claude
DEF (4): Alieya Pires, Alanna Starcevic, Haley Ward, Emma Warren
MID (3): Violet Hipkin, Kate Knafelc, Hannah Neville
FW (3): Olivia Brown, Olivia Rizakos, Zoë Rowe
2025 Season Tickets can now be purchased from our shop. They include 21 matches (the 11 men’s home matches in the L1O Championship division, the 9 women’s home matches in the L1O Premier division, and the 1 confirmed home match in the L1 Cup). Prices start at only $30, for kids and seniors, and $65, for adults. Get yours now!