Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride vs. North Carolina Courage: Final Score 3-3 as Pride Rally from Three Goals Down

The Orlando Pride (0-2-2, 2 points) ended their 2020 NWSL Fall Series and season with a 3-3 draw with the North Carolina Courage (1-1-2, 5 points) at Exploria Stadium. The Pride erased a three-goal halftime deficit in the second half, netting the equalizer in second half injury time. Ally Haran’s first Pride goal from a Marta free kick in the 92nd minute rescued a point after Marisa Viggiano and Kristen Edmonds had pulled Orlando back into the match.
The Pride exit 2020 without earning a victory, but only having played four matches. On the positive side, it was the first time Orlando had scored three goals in a game since July 14, 2019 in a 4-3 road loss in Portland. It was the first time the Pride have scored three goals at home since July 6, 2019 when they beat the Washington Spirit by the same score.
“I’m immensely proud,” Pride Head Coach Marc Skinner said of the comeback. “I think you summed it up right as a roller coaster, again. We left it to the second half again to be impactful in the way that we know we could. Again, those are good games to be on the end of, obviously if you are the one coming back, but I’m so proud. I didn’t think we played particularly too bad — a couple of defending moments that we could do better on, but apart from that I thought they were just tremendous and I’m really, really proud of every single one of them.”
Ashlyn Harris returned to the starting lineup behind a back line of Courtney Petersen, Toni Pressley, Ali Krieger, and Edmonds in Skinner’s 4-3-3. The midfield consisted of Deneisha Blackwood, Jordyn Listro, and Viggiano, behind an attacking line of Marta, Sydney Leroux, and Abby Elinsky.
The Pride got off to a strong start, maintaining quality possession and creating the first chance on goal. In the fourth minute, Marta found Elinsky on the right who sent a good low cross toward the top of the six-yard box. It nearly found Blackwood but was just out of her reach.
In the 12th minute, Blackwood had another chance when Marta sent a free kick toward the far post. Elinsky got her head to it and sent it back across the box toward the Jamaican forward. Blackwood tried to bring it down when her first touch should’ve been a shot, allowing North Carolina to clear. After that missed attempt, the Courage took over.
In the 19th minute, Marta was dispossessed near midfield by Lauren Milliet, who quickly played it forward. The Pride defense was pushing up while Debinha made her run, allowing her to remain onside. Harris came out to cut down the angle but the Courage playmaker put it past her for the first goal of the game.
Giving @Debinha7 this much space is only going to have one result ⚽️🥅
0-1 | #ORLvNC
Tune in now on @CBS and @Twitch. #NWSLFallSeries | #VerizonCommunityShield pic.twitter.com/NvQKupfncj
— NWSL (@NWSL) October 17, 2020
Blackwood had her third chance of the game in the 25th minute when she was sent through by Marta. The 23-year-old forward was in on goal but took too long, allowing the Courage to get back. Before she could even get a shot off, Ryan Williams made the tackle and the Courage started an attack the other way.
The Courage immediately pushed forward and created their own chance. Quick balls by Addisyn Merrick and Debinha sent Lynn Williams through on goal but Harris got down to block her low shot toward the far post with her right foot.
North Carolina finally got its second goal five minutes into first-half injury time. After splitting a pair of defenders and laying the ball off for Meredith Speck, Debinha sent Williams through on goal. With only Harris to beat, Williams played the ball easily past her and into the net.
.@lynnraenie. Free on goal. Trouble for @ORLPride.
0-2 | #ORLvNC
Tune in now on @CBS and @Twitch.#NWSLFallSeries | #VerizonCommunityShield pic.twitter.com/xEXIJImZcI
— NWSL (@NWSL) October 17, 2020
A minute later, the Courage seemed to put the game away when they scored their third goal. A poor pass by Viggiano was in between Edmonds and Krieger. That allowed Speck to win it and send Debinha in on goal. The best player on the field in the first half put her first touch past Harris and inside the far post, making it 3-0 Courage.
.@TheNCCourage are just rolling. @Debinha7 grabs a second just before the halftime whistle.
0-3 | #ORLvNC
Tune in now on @CBS and @Twitch. #NWSLFallSeries | #VerizonCommunityShield pic.twitter.com/QjfzQbCmJl
— NWSL (@NWSL) October 17, 2020
While it was less-than-ideal going into halftime with a three-goal deficit, Skinner was more confident than in previous games.
“At halftime it was a different conversation than against Houston, because against Houston we didn’t play particularly well in terms of our energy level and commitment,” Skinner said. “I think we were committed in the first half, we just made errors and were not as brave as we need to be in possession to attack.”
The Pride came out flying in the second half, similar to how they did in the first half. However, they were much more productive in the final third during the second period. In the 54th minute, the Pride got on the board when a poor pass by Peyton Perea was intercepted by Blackwood.
Marta took over and found Leroux near the penalty spot. A good first touch by Leroux created enough space for a shot but Katelyn Rowland got down for the save. Fortunately for the Pride, Viggiano was charging in and beat Rowland to the ball, putting it in for the Pride’s first goal and Viggiano’s second of the Fall Series.
Marisa Viggiano with a swift reaction to score for @ORLPride 🏃♀️💨
1-3 | #ORLvNC
Tune in now on @CBS and @Twitch. #NWSLFallSeries | #VerizonCommunityShield pic.twitter.com/ayVf2wljM0
— NWSL (@NWSL) October 17, 2020
The Courage nearly scored a fourth in the 68th minute from a free kick. Debinha sent the ball into the box where Williams stood wide open. Her first touch was a left-footed volley but it ricocheted off the crossbar.
Just three minutes later, the Pride made the Courage pay for their miss as they scored their second goal. A quick touch by substitute Carrie Lawrence sent Edmonds into space. Abby Dahlkemper gave the midfielder too much space and Edmonds took advantage of it, sending the ball just inside the far post.
Defense is at a premium in this one. @Kris10edmonds nets the fifth goal in the contest to pull @ORLPride within a goal.
2-3 | #ORLvNC
Tune in now on @CBS and @Twitch.#NWSLFallSeries | #VerizonCommunityShield pic.twitter.com/Vc0REhYhc7
— NWSL (@NWSL) October 17, 2020
The Pride nearly found their equalizer in the 87th minute when an attempted clearance fell to Marta just outside of the box. The forward took a long-distance shot that travelled just wide of the target.
As time wound down, North Carolina had possession and it appeared as though the Pride would come up just short. However, two minutes into injury time, the Pride were awarded a free kick. Marta’s cross toward the back post found the head of Ally Haran. The substitute beat two defenders to the ball, putting her header on target and past Rowland for the late equalizer. It was Haran’s first goal with the Pride.
DO YOU BELIEVE IT?! 🤯@allyharan25 heads home the equalizer from a Marta set piece.
3-3 | #ORLvNC
Tune in now on @CBS and @Twitch. #NWSLFallSeries | #VerizonCommunityShield pic.twitter.com/32NQmqSWYN
— NWSL (@NWSL) October 17, 2020
“I thought about how maybe this is our last chance to score the goal,” Marta said about her thoughts leading to the free kick. “If I put the ball in the area I did, it will find somebody.”
“I was told to go to the back post and Marta played the perfect ball,” Haran said about her part in the play. “I was able to break through with fresh legs, get a good hit on the ball, and be able to put it in the back of the net.”
That was the last good scoring chance for either sides and the match ended after just under five minutes of stoppage time. North Carolina led in shots (16-11), shots on goal (6-4), corners (6-3), and passing accuracy (76.7%-72.5%). The Pride held more of the game’s possession (53.7%-46.3%).
After the opening 15 minutes, the Pride were outplayed in the first half. They created a few chances but the Courage dominated possession and the Pride were fortunate to not be down more. The hosts were much better in the second half.
“The second half was about desire,” Marta said following the game. “It was about bringing something positive out of those games.”
Skinner agreed with those comments.
“I’m so pleased that we could put something positive towards the end of the season for you (the fans).”
While North Carolina controlled the first half and parts of the second, Skinner said that was down to inexperience rather than tactics.
“North Carolina did exactly what we knew they would do because their shape is that. The personality’s the same,” he said. “When you have players that have a little bit less experience than your senior players, they take a feeling out period.”
It was a draw that almost felt like a win for a Pride team that had only claimed one point this year and dropped its last two games.
“It was almost a fairytale type of moment for the players,” Skinner said. “If our fans were there, they’d drive us on to maybe get a victory.”
Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride Sign Forward Simone Jackson Through 2028
The Orlando Pride have signed 22-year-old forward Simone Jackson through the 2028 NWSL season.

The Orlando Pride announced the signing of former University of Southern California forward Simone Jackson today. The 22-year-old’s deal is through the 2028 season.
“We are thrilled to welcome Simone Jackson to the Orlando Pride family through 2028. Her versatility, technical ability, and quickness immediately impressed our technical staff, but it’s her character and personality that truly make her a perfect fit for our culture,” Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter said in a club press release. “Simone represents exactly the kind of player and person we want to invest in as we build the future of this club. Her signing reflects our commitment to bringing in talent that will help us compete at the highest level while embodying the values that make the Pride special.”
While Jackson is a new signing, the attacker isn’t new to the Pride. She was with the team during preseason as a non-roster invitee, playing well enough to earn a spot on the roster.
“I’m incredibly excited and honored to join the Orlando Pride. From the moment I arrived, I felt the special culture this club has built and knew this was where I wanted to be,” Jackson said in the club’s release. “The vision the coaching staff shared with me aligns perfectly with my goals as a player, and I can’t wait to contribute on the field and connect with our amazing fans. Orlando has such a rich soccer community, and I’m thrilled to call this city home for the next chapter of my career. I’m ready to put in the work every day to help bring championships to this club and make an impact both on and off the field.”
Prior to joining the Pride for preseason, Jackson spent four years at the University of Southern California. She played in 75 games for the Trojans, scoring 22 goals and adding 13 assists. Her best season was her senior year, where she accumulated 1,304 minutes and scored six goals, second most on the team.
The Redondo Beach, CA native was a member of the All-Big Ten third team in 2024, first-team All-Pac-12 in 2022, third-team All-Pac-12 in 2023 and 2021, and a Pac 12 All-Freshman Team honoree in 2021.
Internationally, Jackson represented the United States at multiple youth levels, including at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. She scored her team’s lone goal in a 3-1 loss to Japan in that tournament. Jackson participated at every youth level for the U.S., starting at U-14.
What It Means For Orlando
Having successfully put a strong starting lineup together, Carter and Pride Head Coach Seb Hines now work on the team’s depth. And that’s where Jackson comes in. The forward will be behind starter Barbra Banda and Ally Watt on the depth chart. However, Banda could depart at times for international duty with Zambia, giving Jackson a spot on the bench.
At 22 years old, the young attacker has plenty of time to develop. She’ll be playing with seasoned professionals in the same position, providing valuable role models. Barring injuries, she probably won’t get much playing time this year but could be a key player for the Pride in the future.
Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride vs. Utah Royals: Final Score 3-1 as Pride Win Behind Barbra Banda Hat Trick
A first-half Barbra Banda hat trick lifted the Pride to a much-needed road win over the Utah Royals.

The Orlando Pride (6-3-1, 19 points) rode Barbra Banda’s hat trick to a 3-1 win over the Utah Royals (1-7-2) tonight at America First Field in Sandy, UT. Banda gave the Pride the lead in the sixth minute and Brecken Mozingo equalized in the 14th minute, but Banda took over late in the first half, scoring two goals in two minutes to net the first hat trick in Pride history.
The win snapped Orlando’s three-game winless skid and marked the first time the Pride scored more than one goal since a 3-2 home win over Angel City on April 25.
Pride Head Coach Seb Hines made two changes to the team that lost 1-0 to the Kansas City Current last week. Kerry Abello and Marta, who had started every game until tonight, began the game on the bench. They were replaced in the lineup by Cori Dyke and Ally Watt.
The back line in front of goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was Dyke, Kylie Nadaner, Emily Sams, and Oihane. Angelina, Morgan Gautrat, Haley McCutcheon, and Carson Pickett were in the midfield, with Banda and Watt up top.
This was a game of two halves with the best chances coming in the first 45 minutes. It looked like it would be a high-scoring affair, but the game slowed down considerably in the second half. The Pride were unquestionably the better team throughout, causing problems for the Utah back line. In the end, it was a fair result, as the Pride come home with all three points.
The hosts nearly created the game’s first chance in the fifth minute when Janni Thomsen played Cece Kizer down the right. The veteran midfielder’s first touch was a low ball into the box for Mozingo, but Oihane got there first to clear it away.
A minute later, the Royals created the first shot on goal. Ally Sentnor tried to dribble through Nadaner, who got a touch on the ball but couldn’t win it. The ball went straight to Mozingo, who shot, but the attempt was right to Moorhouse at the near post.
The Pride immediately went the other way with Oihane finding Watt down the right . The attacker sprinted down field before playing it into the box where Banda was making a run. The striker’s first touch guided the ball inside the far post to give the Pride the early 1-0 lead.
“It was a quality goal,” Hines said about the opener. “A breakaway with Ally and she does a really good job of finding Barbra and it’s a quality finish from Barbra.”
The Pride had a great opportunity to double their lead in the 10th minute when Claudia Zornoza pulled down Angelina from behind near the top of the Utah box. Angelina stepped to the ball first before backing off and letting Pickett take the set piece. Oihane ran onto the ball and tried to flick it on goal, sending it just wide of the right post.
In the 13th minute, Pickett, Gautrat, and Angelina combined to send Banda into the final third. The low cross was right to Ana Tejada, but the defender got it caught in her feet. The ball slipped through to Watt behind her, and the attacker had two chances. However, Royals goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn made a pair of saves to keep her team in the game.
The Pride paid for the missed chance a minute later when the Royals equalized. Zornoza sent Mozingo into the Pride half of the field. Nadaner kept the play onside, and the attacker got behind the back line and in on goal. Moorhouse came out to cut down the angle, but the shot was past her and inside the far post to even the game at 1-1.
There was a stoppage while the video assistant referee examined the play to see if Mozingo was offside. However, Nadaner never stepped up with the rest of the back line, and the goal correctly stood.
Banda nearly had a second in the 20th minute when Sentnor knocked the ball off McCutcheon’s foot, but right to the Pride striker. However, Lauren Flynn made a last-ditch tackle, knocking the ball off of Banda’s foot to prevent a likely goal.
A minute later, Banda won a long punt by Moorhouse and got into the Royals’ box. Kate Del Fava did well to push her outside, and the striker’s shot was right to McGlynn.
Banda made a long run in the 26th minute, getting behind the Royals’ defense and into the box. McGlynn came off her line to challenge the striker and blocked the attempt. The rebound went to Watt with an empty net, but Nuria Rabano made a goal-saving block.
A bad turnover by Gautrat under pressure in the 28th minute nearly resulted in Utah taking the lead. Kizer took possession and found Mina Tanaka in the box. The Japanese international laid it back for Zornoza, who shot, sending her attempt over the goal.
Banda struck again in the 37th minute when Thomsen played a terrible pass back and the striker intercepted it. Flynn was on her back the whole time, but Banda dribbled around McGlynn and touched it in to make it 2-1.
A minute later, Banda made history. McCutcheon sent the striker down the left behind Del Fava. The defender caught up, but decided to block her pass into the middle rather than get to the goal side. Banda fired to McGlynn’s near post, slipping it between the post and the goalkeeper to give the Pride a 3-1 lead.
In the 224th Pride game in all competitions, it was the first hat trick in team history, the third in NWSL history to take place in the first half, and the first time an NWSL player has scored a road hat trick in the first half.
“She’s a constant threat. It was three different types of goals, which is pleasing to see,” Hines said about Banda’s hat trick. “She’s been waiting patiently. She’s been hitting half chances, but no real clear-cut opportunities. And so I was really pleased for her. Obviously, it’s the first hat trick in Pride history. That’s been a long wait for that opportunity, but she took it really well.”
Banda also became the first African international to score a hat trick in the NWSL.
The Pride nearly had a chance in the third minute of first-half stoppage time when Pickett sent a beautiful ball into the box for Angelina. It was right there for the Brazilian, but she couldn’t control it.
After 45 minutes of action, the Pride had more possession (54%-46%), shots (10-7), shots on target (9-2), crosses (7-5), and corner kicks (2-1). They also had better passing accuracy (84%-82%) in the first half.
While the Pride were the more attacking team to start the first half, the Royals were on the front foot in the second. In the 48th minute, Mozingo found Zornoza near the top of the box. Sentnor made a diagonal run and Zornoza found her. However, the U.S. international sent her attempt well wide of the target.
The Royals created the second shot of the second half in the 63rd minute when Tanaka laid the ball off for Sentnor. Despite being far from goal, the striker fired. The shot was on target but into the arms of Moorhouse.
A minute later, Kizer dribbled into the right side of the box and took a shot from a tight angle. However, Moorhouse had her near post covered and the attempt didn’t cause her any trouble.
The next time the ball went out of play, Hines made his first two changes. Abello and Summer Yates came on for Oihane and Angelina.
Shortly after the substitution, the Pride created their first shot of the second half. A poor pass out of the back by McGlynn was intercepted by Yates. The midfielder played the ball to Banda on the right and the striker took a shot, but it didn’t cause much trouble for McGlynn.
McCutcheon had a great look in the 72nd minute, when Pickett sent Yates down the left. The second-half substitute played it into the six-yard box, where McCutcheon found herself all alone. However, she seemed surprised by the situation, sending the ball wide from very short distance.
In the 77th minute, Dyke found Yates in the box. The midfielder did well to turn Ana Tejada and fired on target. However, McGlynn did well to get a hand to it. Watt had position on Del Fava in front of an empty net near the left post, and the defender pushed the attacker over to win the ball. Pride players in the area wanted a penalty, but the referee disagreed.
The Pride won a free kick in the opposing third in the 78th minute when Watt was pushed over by Flynn. Pickett sent the set piece into the box and Lemos got her foot to it, but she sent the attempt wide.
The Royals nearly got one back in the 80th minute when Sentnor sent a low cross into the box from the left. Bianca St-Georges was behind her defender and right in front of the goal, but the pass was just behind her.
Play stopped in the 82nd minute as McCutcheon went down with an injury. The Pride medical staff came out to examine the defensive midfielder, eventually resulting in the team’s final change of the night. In the 84th minute, Viviana Villacorta came into the game for McCutcheon.
St-Georges had a chance in the 87th minute when a long ball bounced away from Abello. The Royals substitute turned and shot, but sent the attempt well wide of the target.
Tanaka received a pass forward in the 89th minute and fired from distance. However, Lemos got her foot in from behind, getting a piece of the ball and allowing Moorhouse to make the easy stop.
The Royals had a good chance to get one back in the fifth minute of stoppage time, when Madison Pogarch sent a dangerous ball to the back post. St-Georges was behind Abello and Moorhouse was trying to get over, but the ball went out of play.
That was the last chance as the Pride claimed a huge three points away from home.
At full time, the Pride had more possession (52%-48%), shots on target (11-5), crosses (12-10), and corner kicks (4-1). Utah had better passing accuracy (83%-82%) and more shot attempts (14-13).
“Priority was to come away with three points before we go into the international break,” Hines said. “I think in recent games we played well, but we haven’t really got the results. So, we wanted to make sure that we performed well and got the result. It’s great to come away from this game with three points and a nice 3-1 win.”
“Interesting match,” Banda added. “Coming back from the loss, we wanted to win this game, so we had to put all what it takes. We didn’t want to leave anything on the field, but to get the maximum three points.”
The win vaults Orlando back into second place, two points behind the first-place Current. However, the Current have yet to play this weekend. They’re also two points ahead of the San Diego Wave, who also have a game in hand.
Following the international break, the Pride have three games before the summer break, which will last over a month. Two of those three games are away from home, but they’re all winnable.
“We need to take that confidence going into these last three games before the summer break,” Hines said. “Obviously, we’re going into the international break, so players are representing their country. But when they come back, we need to carry on that momentum into the last three games going into the summer break.”
The Pride will have an extra week to soak in this win, as they don’t play next weekend. They’ll return to action on June 7 when they host the Houston Dash at Inter&Co Stadium.
Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride vs. Utah Royals: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More
The Pride look to return to their winning ways as they travel to face the struggling Utah Royals.

Welcome to your match thread as the Orlando Pride (5-3-1, 16 points) travel west to take on the Utah Royals (1-6-2, 5 points) in Sandy, UT. This is the first of two matchups between these teams with the return game in Orlando scheduled for Aug. 3.
Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s game.
History
The Royals first played in 2018 and 2019 before the team was purchased and relocated to Kansas City. The new owners of Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake bought an expansion side, so 2024 was the first season the two teams met since 2019, although this is an all-new side. The Pride are 3-3-2 against the Royals all-time, with all games coming in the NWSL regular season. Orlando is 2-0-0 against this current iteration of the Royals (1-0-0 on the road) and 2-1-1 all-time in the state of Utah.
The last time the Pride met the Royals was on June 21, 2024 in Orlando. It was a dominant performance from start to finish as the Pride roared to a 6-0 win. Barbra Banda started the scoring, and Summer Yates made it 2-0 just before halftime. The Pride took off in the second half with goals by Banda and Ally Watt, along with a Marta brace.
On April 12 in Sandy, UT. Marta started on the bench and came on for Adriana in the 62nd minute. It didn’t take long for the Pride captain to make an impact, netting the game’s lone goal six minutes later, as the visitors left the Beehive State with a 1-0 victory.
The 2019 season was the final one for the original Royals and the Pride faced this opponent three times that year. The first game between the teams was on April 27 in Orlando, and the difference was Christen Press, who netted the lone goal early in a 1-0 result. On May 25 in Utah, Amy Rodriguez opened the scoring from the penalty spot and Makenzy Doniak made it 2-0 late. The third meeting was on Aug. 17 in Orlando. Press gave the visitors the lead in the 60th minute and Rodriguez doubled the advantage late as the Royals won 2-0.
The 2018 campaign was the Royals’ inaugural season, and Orlando got the better of the newcomers, going unbeaten in three matches (1-0-2). In the 2018 season opener, Utah and the Pride played to a 1-1 draw in Orlando. The Royals scored on their first chance of the game. They had an excellent spell of early possession. Diana Matheson put in a cross and Gunny Jonsdottir — who later played for the Pride for two seasons in 2021 and 2022 — volleyed it into the back of the net. Marta tied things up from the spot later in the first half, and the game ended 1-1.
About a month and a half later, the teams met again, playing to a 0-0 draw, this time in Rio Tinto Stadium. It was a relatively dull night with no goals and the majority of the action in the middle of the field. Both teams struggled on the attacking end. There were no shots on target in the first half and just three in the second.
While those first two matches ended in draws, the last meeting of 2018 finally saw a winner. On July 14, 2018, there was end-to-end action, and both teams saw chances in front of the net. Utah found an early goal from Rodriguez, and then Alex Morgan tied it up with a penalty kick just before halftime. In the second half, a good through ball from Ali Krieger found Kristen Edmonds one-on-one with Utah goalkeeper Abby Smith, who was caught out of position. Edmonds chipped the ball past Smith for the game-winner, and Orlando got its first-ever victory against the Royals, 2-1.
Overview
The Pride are coming off a tough stretch where they’ve lost two of their last three games 1-0, and only a last-minute equalizer in North Carolina kept it from being three straight losses. The most recent loss came a week ago tonight when the Pride hosted the Kansas City Current in a battle for first place. Temwa Chawinga’s 52nd-minute goal was the difference, sending the Pride down to third in the NWSL standings.
The problem for the Pride has been the attack. Other than scoring three goals in 20 minutes against Angel City FC in a 3-2 come-from-behind win, the Pride haven’t scored multiple goals in a game since March 29, when they defeated San Diego Wave FC 2-1.
Meanwhile, the Pride’s defense has been fantastic. That Angel City game is the only time the Pride have conceded multiple goals this year. Head Coach Seb Hines even gave starting center backs Kylie Nadaner and Emily Sams a break, replacing each of them with rookie Zara Chavoshi in successive games, but they only gave up one goal in those games combined. Unfortunately, the lack of offense resulted in only getting one point.
Banda got off to a great start this season, netting a brace in the opener. However, she’s only scored twice in the last eight games and hasn’t found the back of the net in the last three matches. Marta has had similar struggles, failing to score since the win over Angel City.
The Pride desperately need three points to get themselves back on track, and they face the perfect team tonight. The Royals were one of the worst teams in the league last year, finishing 11th of 14 teams. They aren’t any better this year so far, with just five points from nine games, good enough for 13th place.
As you might expect from a team with just one win, Utah has struggled offensively and defensively this year. Their seven goals are second fewest in the NWSL, and their 16 goals conceded are tied with Angel City for second most. The only team worse is the last-place Chicago Stars, who have scored five times and conceded 19 goals.
While the Royals have struggled defensively this year, they’re coming off their best game of the season, a 3-3 draw at the Washington Spirit. The sudden production ended a three-game goalless streak. We’ll see if that carries into tonight.
Nobody on the Royals has multiple goals or assists this year, understandable by their lack of scoring. But they’ll have their work cut out for them tonight when they face one of the league’s best defenses. The Pride’s seven goals conceded is tied with Seattle Reign FC for second, just one behind the Current.
The Pride started the season as the most prolific offense, scoring six times in the season opener. But, apart from the three-goal output against Angel City, they’ve cooled off considerably. Facing a team that has leaked goals all year, this could be the game the Pride need to get back to their scoring ways.
“I think they put up a good performance against a good Washington Spirit side. They should be happy walking away with a point,” Hines said about tonight’s opponent. “Obviously, they were close to three points as well, but I think before the game they probably would’ve taken that. So we can’t take them too lightly. We’re trying to bounce back from some disappointing results, not performances. And I think it’s a great opportunity for us to go there and come away with three points.”
The only change to the Pride availability report is the removal of Julie Doyle (knee). Simone Charley (ankle), Luana (illness), Amanda Allen (shoulder), and Rafaelle (thigh) remain out.
The Royals will be without Mikayla Cluff (concussion), Macey Fraser (knee), Olivia Griffiths (maternity leave), Cloe Lacasse (knee), Alex Loera (knee), Tatumn Milazzo (knee), Paige Monaghan (foot), and Kaleigh Riehl (lower leg).
Official Lineups
Orlando Pride (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Anna Moorhouse.
Defenders: Cori Dyke, Kylie Nadaner, Emily Sams, Oihane.
Defensive Midfielders: Haley McCutcheon, Morgan Gautrat.
Attacking Midfielders: Carson Pickett, Angelina, Ally Watt.
Forward: Barbra Banda.
Bench: McKinley Crone, Julie Doyle, Prisca Chilufya, Summer Yates, Zara Chavoshi, Kerry Abello, Viviana Villacorta, Marta, Ally Lemos.
Utah Royals (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Mandy McGlynn.
Defenders: Nuria Rabano, Lauren Flynn, Kate Del Fava, Janni Thomsen.
Defensive Midfielders: Ana Tejada, Claudia Zornoza.
Midfielders: Brecken Mozingo, Mina Tanaka, Cece Kizer.
Forwards: Ally Sentnor.
Bench: Mia Justus, Ana Guzman, Madison Pogarch, Kherrington Ream, Dana Foederer, Imani Dorsey, Aisha Solorzano, Aria Nagai, Bianca St-Georges.
Referees
REF: JC Griggs.
AR1: Matthew Rodman.
AR2: Darren Bandy.
4TH: Rachel Swett.
VAR: Katherine McCormick.
AVAR: Brian Marshall.
How to Watch
Match Time: 9:30 p.m.
Venue: America First Field — Sandy, UT.
TV: None.
Streaming: FDSN App, NWSL+.
Social Media: For live updates and rapid reaction, follow @themaneland.bsky.social on Bluesky and the Orlando Pride’s official Twitter feed (@ORLPride).
Enjoy the game. Go Pride!
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