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Top 10 Moments of 2021: Orlando Pride Start Year with Club-Record Unbeaten Run

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3 years ago

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As we count down to the new year of 2022 — which will be Orlando City’s eighth in MLS and the Orlando Pride’s seventh in the NWSL — and say goodbye to 2021, it’s time to look back at the club’s 10 best moments of the year.

The Orlando Pride took a look at Orlando City’s club-record, six-game unbeaten streak to start the season and said, “we can do better.” The Pride, who had only managed to avoid an NWSL regular-season, opening-day loss on one occasion — a home draw against the Utah Royals in 2018 — and who had never managed to go unbeaten in even two matches to start a season before — gave fans a reason to hope for a playoff return in 2021 with an unprecedented run to open the team’s schedule this season.

Orlando still hasn’t won an opener, but the Pride managed to make it seven consecutive games without tasting defeat under Marc Skinner at the start of the 2021 NWSL season. The season-opening surge included a three-match winning streak and four wins in total as the Pride began the season with a 4-0-3 run that had the team at the top of the NWSL season after the first third of the team’s sixth year of existence. It topped the MLS side’s best-ever run to start the year, which also took place in 2021.

The Pride had just completed a promising 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, in which they finished group play with a 1-1-2 mark and could have gone 2-0-2 if they could have avoided conceding a pair of late goals against Racing Louisville and NJ/NY Gotham FC in the first two matches of the competition. Skinner’s team looked much more organized than in 2019 or when the makeshift roster took part in the 2020 NWSL Fall Series.

The team opened the regular season on May 16 at home against the Washington Spirit. The teams fought an evenly matched contest, with both goalkeepers preventing the other side from gaining the advantage. Sydney Leroux had two excellent chances to give Orlando the lead, but it seemed like a late goal conceded would again bite the team when Ashley Hatch opened the scoring in the 76th minute on a header. However, this time the Pride flipped the script and it was Orlando getting the late heroics when Alex Morgan split the defense on a run to catch up to a perfect Phoebe McClernon long ball and equalized in the 84th minute with a chipped goal over former teammate Aubrey Bledsoe.

It was a draw that felt like a win thanks to the late Morgan goal and it propelled the Pride forward, as Orlando went on to win its next three matches. Orlando visited North Carolina next, carrying a nine-match winless streak against the Courage in all competitions on their shoulders and with backup goalkeeper Erin McLeod stepping in for Ashlyn Harris. No matter. The Pride brought all three points back from North Carolina after a 2-1 road win that came within moments of being a clean sheet.

Leroux snapped the scoreless deadlock in the 36th minute by pouncing on a poorly weighted back pass and beating Casey Murphy with a near-post shot to make it 1-0.

McLeod preserved the lead with multiple big saves and she was rewarded for it when Morgan finally doubled Orlando’s advantage in the 79th minute. The forward got in down the left side and tucked a shot just inside the right post to make it 2-0.

A late Jessica McDonald goal in the 89th minute made for some nervy final moments in stoppage time but the Pride managed the game and had back-to-back games without a loss to start an NWSL season for the first time in club history.

I’ve already told you about the next game, because Morgan and Leroux scored again in the 2-1 home win over Portland on May 26 — our No. 9 moment of 2021. It was just the Pride’s second win ever against the Thorns and the team’s first at home. You can read about that match in full at the link above in this paragraph.

Now playing confidently, with a 2-0-1 record to start the year, the Pride welcomed Kansas City to Exploria Stadium on May 30. The match was tougher than anticipated against the expansion side, but Morgan scored for the fourth consecutive match to lead Orlando to a 1-0 home win.

The win wasn’t without some controversy. A corner kick from Courtney Petersen found Morgan’s head in the box and the striker nodded toward goal. The ball took a deflection on its way and goalkeeper Abby Smith parried it away but it was judged by the referee to have crossed the line. The goal was originally credited to Marta, who was in the scrum in front, but it was later changed to Morgan as it had come off a defender. The assist was Petersen’s first in the NWSL.

The win was Orlando’s third in a row, giving the Pride their longest win streak since 2017.

The Pride and the Spirit played another tight match on June 6 in Washington. It was Hatch again providing Washington with a 1-0 lead before the Pride came back to earn a 1-1 draw. The heroics weren’t left quite so late this time. Hatch scored in the 64th minute but Taylor Kornieck notched her first NWSL regular-season goal just three minutes later to level things up.

Harris made some big saves to keep Orlando in this one and shortly after the Pride fell behind, Marta made a great hustle play, stepping in front of a long throw by Bledsoe and feeding Kornieck. The first-year Pride player took the ball into the box and fired inside the left post to equalize.

It was Orlando’s second road result to open the season and ran the unbeaten streak to five matches (3-0-2).

That streak got longer despite a week off before Orlando hosted Gotham FC on June 20. The Pride left it very late after allowing a Caprice Dydasco “shross” goal in the last minute before halftime. Whether it was an intentional shot or a cross that happened to go in, it gave the visitors a lead and momentum heading into the break. But the reverse happened in the final minute of normal time when Petersen provided a mirror image from the left side for Orlando. Her shross also ended up inside the far post and it lifted the Pride to a 1-1 home draw and a sixth consecutive game without a loss.

But Orlando wasn’t finished at six games without a loss (3-0-3). The Pride visited Kansas City on June 23 and got their most complete win of the streak. But it didn’t start easily.

Kansas City opened the scoring in the eight minute of first-half stoppage time (yes, you read that correctly) on a goal by Mariana Larroquette. But Leroux pulled that back two minutes later — in the 10th minute of stoppage time (!). Cutting in from the left, Leroux’s lunging shot deflected and somehow beat Smith to tie the game just before the break.

Leroux completed her brace shortly after the restart. Taking a long pass up the left sideline, Leroux cut toward the middle near the top of the area and smashed an unstoppable shot inside the back post to give the Pride the lead in the 49th minute.

Not to be outdone, Marta put the game away late with a ridiculous strike from just inside the center circle.

The 3-1 road win was Orlando’s biggest road offensive output of the year and capped a magical 4-0-3 unbeaten streak to start the season.

The run came to a halt in Houston with a 2-1 loss in the next game. The international starters leaving for the Olympics and rumblings of Skinner’s interest in accepting a job with Manchester United — which he eventually took — combined to undo much of the Pride’s hot start. Orlando went its next six games without a win and lost four of those, to fall back to the pack fighting for the last couple of playoff spots.

Becky Burleigh’s arrival as interim coach seemed to right the ship a bit as the Pride lost only one of its next six matches, going 3-1-3 between July 31 and Sept. 11. However, a five-game losing streak to end the season dashed any playoff hopes and left the Pride in free fall all the way to eighth place in the 10-team NWSL.

Regardless, that seven-game run to start the season gave Pride fans a lot of thrills and ignited not only playoff dreams but hopes of a potential Supporters Shield run. Those good feelings and all those points to start the season make the streak worthy of one of our top 10 moments of 2021.

Come back through New Year’s Eve as we count down the remainder of Orlando City’s top 10 moments of 2021.

Previous Top 10 Moments of 2021

10. Orlando City takes part in club’s first international competition against Liga MX side Santos Laguna in the Leagues Cup.

9. Orlando Pride get only their second win ever against Portland as Alex Morgan and Sydney Leroux lead the way.

8. Orlando City opens the 2021 MLS season with a club-record six-match unbeaten streak.

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Orlando Pride vs. Seattle Reign FC: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More

The Pride return home for the regular-season finale against Seattle Reign FC.

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6 hours ago

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November 2, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

Welcome to your match thread as the Orlando Pride (17-2-6, 57 points) return home to face Seattle Reign FC (6-14-5, 23 points) in the season finale. This is the second time the two teams face off this season as they complete the regular season.

Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s game.

History

The Pride and Reign have met 17 times since the Pride joined the league in 2016. The Pride hold a 3-7-7 record in those meetings, with an all-time record of 2-2-4 when hosting the Reign. All meetings between the two teams have taken place in the regular season.

The most recent meeting was on May 19 at Lumen Field in Seattle. Emily Sams opened the scoring in the ninth minute and Barbra Banda doubled the advantage minutes later. However, the Reign scored on either side of halftime through Angharad James-Turner and Bethany Balcer before Banda netted the deciding goal second half, lifting her team to a 3-2 win.

The first game between the teams in 2023 occurred on July 7 at Exploria Stadium and featured one of the best performances of the year for the Pride. Julie Doyle beat her defenders and found the head of Messiah Bright in the 16th minute for the game’s lone goal as the Pride won 1-0 for their second all-time win over the Reign. On Sept. 3 in Seattle, the Pride got off to a terrible start when goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was sent off in the third minute. Carly Nelson came in and did well in relief, but Jordyn Huitema scored in the 49th minute as the Reign won 1-0. 

The teams played for the first time in 2022 on Aug. 26 in Orlando. Meggie Dougherty Howard gave the hosts the lead, and the Pride tried to hold onto that one-goal advantage, but Megan Rapinoe found Bethany Balcer for an equalizing header. The visitors pushed for a win and Rapinoe got a goal for herself two minutes into second half injury time, lifting the Reign to a 2-1 win, snapping Orlando’s seven-match unbeaten run.

The return game was on Oct. 1, 2022 at Lumen Field in Seattle. The Pride had already been eliminated from playoff contention and it looked like it as OL Reign dominated the game. Rapinoe opened the scoring just eight minutes in, Huitema doubled the hosts’ lead soon after, and Balcer made it 3-0 just past the half-hour mark. The Pride held the Reign scoreless in the second half, but fell 3-0.

The teams played twice during the 2021 season and the first game was July 24 in Orlando. The Reign scored a goal in each half, with Jess Fishlock scoring early and Tziarra King doubling the lead just after the break in a 2-0 win. On Sept. 26 in Tacoma, WA, Balcer opened the scoring early and Eugenie Le Sommer scored a brace, giving the Reign a 3-0 lead at halftime, ultimately beating the Pride by that score.

COVID canceled the teams’ meetings in 2020, but they played three times in 2019. On April 21 in Tacoma, Alanna Kennedy gave the Pride an early lead. But Balcer equalized and the teams drew 1-1. They met again on Sept. 7 in the same location. This time, the Reign took the early lead as Darian Jenkins scored twice inside the first 12 minutes. Beverly Yanez made it 3-0 soon after, effectively putting the game away early. Camila converted a late penalty but the Reign won 3-1. The final meeting that year came on Oct. 12 in Orlando. The Pride scored first through Rachel Hill, but Jenkins and Jodie Taylor gave the visitors a 2-1 lead going into halftime. Marta equalized late and the teams drew 2-2.

The first meeting in 2018 came on April 28 in Orlando. Allie Long gave the Reign a first-half lead, but Marta equalized, resulting in a 1-1 draw. On June 3, the teams met in Seattle but neither team could find the back of the net as they ended in a scoreless draw. The final meeting that year was on July 21 in Orlando. Toni Pressley gave the Pride a first-half lead but Taylor equalized with 20 minutes remaining and the teams drew for the third time that year.

The 2017 season saw the Pride and Reign play twice, first meeting on May 21 in Seattle. Yanez gave the hosts the lead just before halftime but Marta scored just after the break and the teams drew 1-1. They met again on Sept. 7 in Orlando in a game that looked to be ending scoreless but took a surprising turn. Alex Morgan gave the Pride the late lead in second-half injury time, but Fishlock equalized two minutes later and they drew 1-1.

The first-ever meeting between the two teams occurred on May 8, 2016 in Orlando. Sarah Hagen gave the Pride an early lead and Lianne Sanderson made it 2-0 late, which was the final score. The return game in Seattle was on July 23 and was the highest-scoring game between the two teams. Kim Little and Fishlock made it 2-0 Reign at halftime. Manon Melis scored a third for the hosts. Jasmyne Spencer scored, but Kendall Fletcher made it 4-1 four minutes later. A Pressley own goal and late strike by Kristen Edmonds added one more goal to each team’s tally in a 5-2 Reign win.

Overview

The last time the Pride took their home field was on Oct. 6. The 2-0 win over the Washington Spirit clinched the NWSL Shield, giving the Pride their first-ever trophy and the top seed in the playoffs. They were 23 games unbeaten on the season before heading out on a two-game road trip.

Unfortunately, things fell apart for the Pride in their two most recent games. On Oct. 11, they fell 2-0 to the Portland Thorns in a game celebrating Christine Sinclair’s career. They followed that with arguably their worst performance of the season in New Jersey, falling 3-1 to NJ/NY Gotham FC.

Since the Pride had already clinched the top seed in the postseason, they couldn’t lose anything in those games other than the chance for the NWSL’s first unbeaten season. Tonight, they return home, where they remain unbeaten since Aug. 25, 2023 when they lost 2-1 to San Diego Wave FC. While the result won’t impact their place in the standings, they’ll want to end the regular season with momentum heading into the team’s first playoff appearance since 2017.

Tonight’s opponent has had a tough season. The Reign have had their worst campaign since 2013, the club’s inaugural season. They finished in the top four each of the past five seasons and in the top five in each of the past nine seasons. However, they’re currently in 12th and won’t qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2017.

It’s been a struggle offensively and defensively for Seattle this season. They’ve only scored 25 goals this year — fourth fewest in the league — and conceded a league-high 41 goals. Their 2-1 win over the Houston Dash on Oct. 18 broke a five-game losing streak and they’ll be looking to end the season on a high.

The most goals scored by a single Reign player through 23 games is three, a number reached by Ji So-Yun and Veronica Latsko. So-Yun also leads the team with three assists this year, a number she shares with Fishlock. Both players recorded assists when these teams met back in May.

Last week was an international break, which helped the teams heading into this game. Both had multiple regular starters away on international duty and the break allowed them to return for the regular-season finale. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines said the break was also a positive for his non-internationals.

“I would go back and say it’s probably come at a good time, the international break,” he said. “Obviously, we’ve got players representing their countries, which is amazing. But for the players who stayed here, giving them that time to reset, take in what they’ve achieved so far this year, and go after the game on Saturday against Seattle. Hopefully we’ll get a good turnout, a lot of fans out there to go out and support this team, who have achieved so much this year.”

The Pride will play tonight without Rafaelle (thigh), Megan Montefusco (heel), Luana (illness), Simone Charley (ankle), and Grace Chanda (thigh). Additionally, Carson Pickett (thigh) and Julie Doyle (illness) are listed as questionable.

Seattle will be without Ryanne Brown (knee), Quinn (head), and Olivia Van der Jagt (excused absence). Meanwhile, Ainsley McCammon (USA) is at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Official Lineups

Orlando Pride (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Anna Moorhouse.

Defenders: Kerry Abello, Kylie Strom, Emily Sams, Cori Dyke.

Defensive Midfielders: Haley McCutcheon, Viviana Villacorta.

Midfielders: Summer Yates, Marta, Ally Watt.

Forward: Barbra Banda.

Bench: McKinley Crone, Celia, Adriana, Carrie Lawrence, Morgan Gautrat, Ally Lemos, Angelina, Evelina Duljan, Brianna Martinez.

Seattle Reign FC (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Claudia Dickey.

Defenders: Hanna Glas, Lauren Barnes, Jordyn Bugg, Veronica Latsko.

Defensive Midfielders: Ji So-Yun, Olivia Athens,

Midfielders: Emeri Adames, Nerilia Mondesir, Tziarra King.  

Forwards: Jordyn Huitema.

Bench: Laurel Ivory, Angharad James-Turner, Nikki Stanton, Julia Lester, Jaelin Howell, Phoebe McClernon, Shae Holmes, Maddie Mercado, Ana Maria Crnogorcevic.

Referees

REF: Melinda Homa.
AR1: Ben Rigel.
AR2: Salma Perez.
4TH: Alejo Calume.
VAR: Danielle Chesky.
AVAR: Tom Felice.

How to Watch

Match Time: 5 p.m.

Venue: Inter&Co Stadium — Orlando.

TV: ION.

Streaming: None.

Twitter: For rapid reaction and live updates, follow @TheManeLand and the Orlando Pride’s official Twitter feed (@ORLPride).

Enjoy the match. Go Pride!

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Orlando Pride Defender Megan Montefusco Announces Her Retirement

Pride center back Megan Montefusco has announced her retirement from professional soccer.

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1 day ago

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November 1, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

The Orlando Pride announced this morning that defender Megan Montefusco announced her retirement following the 2024 NWSL season. The center back began playing in the league in 2015 and joined the Pride prior to the 2022 season.

“Megan has been an important part of the Pride, both in our locker room and in the community,” Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter said in a club press release. “We want to thank her for everything she has done for the organization, Orlando, and the NWSL as a whole. Meg will always be part of our Pride family, and we look forward to supporting her as she transitions into this next stage of her life.”

“Thank you to this incredible organization, along with all the teams I’ve had the privilege to play for, for your unwavering support — not just for who I am on the field, but off it as well,” Montefusco said in the club’s press release. “A special thanks to Orlando for stepping up at this pivotal moment in my career, helping me grow beyond soccer and preparing me for the next chapter in my professional life. I am so grateful for every moment I’ve experienced in the NWSL and for all the amazing teammates that I’ve been able to share the field with. As I step away from the game I love so much, I will carry all of the memories and lessons I’ve learned along the way with me. I’m excited to take on new challenges and fully embrace the next chapter of my life.”

The Pride initially acquired Montefusco on Jan. 28, 2022, in a trade with the Houston Dash. The defender made 45 appearances in purple with 42 starts and recorded 3,773 minutes. Her lone goal for the club came in a 2023 Challenge Cup game against NJ/NY Gotham FC. She was under contract through the 2025 season.

Montefusco was a regular starter for the Pride in 2022, leading the team in minutes with 1,861 and started 21 of the 22 regular season games. She began the 2023 season as a starter, but was replaced in the lineup by Rafaelle when the Brazilian joined the club following the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Still, the center back appeared 15 times and started 12 games that season.

The 2024 season ended before it began for the 32-year-old as she underwent right foot surgery during the off-season. The operation required attention but had been put off and forced Montefusco to the injured list for the entire 2024 season.

An Illinois native, Montefusco was drafted out of UCLA by the Washington Spirit with the 13th pick of the 2015 NWSL Draft. She spent time with Australia’s Newcastle Jets, the Boston Breakers, Reign FC, and the Dash before joining the Pride.

Internationally, she represented the United States at the U-16, U-18, and U-20 youth levels. She made her national team debut on April 6, 2017, against Russia.

What It Means for Orlando

Montefusco joined the Pride following the departure of several players as the Pride began their rebuilding process. Her veteran leadership was necessary when the roster was filled with young players, helping the team make the transition. However, she was used less when the club acquired Brazilian Rafaelle to join Emily Sams as the center back pairing.

The right foot problem had been plaguing Montefusco for some time and it required surgery to heal. The operation ended her 2024 season and put into question her future playing career. The club made adjustments this season by moving left back Kylie Strom to center back and the defender has done well, moving Montefusco further down the depth chart.

The Pride have had the best defensive unit in the NWSL this season with players younger than Montefusco. As a result, it was unlikely she was going to break into the starting lineup or see much time off the bench. It was also unlikely the Pride would bring her back following the 2025 season. Instead, it opens a roster spot for the Pride this off-season.

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Orlando Pride vs. Seattle Reign: Three Keys to Victory

What do the Pride need to do to secure a win over Seattle Reign FC in the final match of the regular season?

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2 days ago

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October 31, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

The Orlando Pride return to action this Saturday, hosting Seattle Reign FC at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride are coming off two losses, but with the playoffs looming, the club will want to get back to its winning ways. Fortunately, the Pride have the opportunity to tune things up before the playoffs begin against the 12th-ranked team in the league.

Just as a reminder, if the Pride get a result, the club will set the NWSL record for most points scored in a season. What do the Pride need to do to get all three points Saturday against Seattle Reign FC?

Take Advantage of the Needed Break

Winning the NWSL Shield by going undefeated in the first 23 matches of the regular season is an incredible accomplishment, but don’t think it doesn’t take a toll mentally. As seen from the last two losses, this was a team that desperately needed a break. The international break offered a chance for the coaches and players to recharge both their physical and mental batteries. Of course, there were training sessions and a few players were away on international duty, but I’m certain there were plenty of meetings and good talks about getting back to what made the team a success this season. Putting all of that into action against the Reign will be the trick. We’ll see if the break leads to a response on the pitch.

Restore the Defensive Fortitude

During the 24-match undefeated streak — stretching back to last season — the Pride didn’t always score a ton of goals, but they did field the number one defense in the league. During the run, the Pride allowed only 13 goals. In the last two matches, the Pride allowed five goals. It’s time for the return of the stingy defense.

Emily Sams has been the key piece of the defense — so much so that she was one of the players given some rest against the Portland Thorns. Sams returns to the Pride after a USWNT call up that saw her get her first caps. Hopefully, her playing time will have her primed to lead the Pride defense back to prominence. Seattle has only scored 25 goals this season (as compared to 43 by the Pride). This is the perfect match for the Pride defense to reconnect.

Unleash the Banda

I know that Barbra Banda didn’t go anywhere, but evidently her scoring foot did. Prior to the international break back in July, Banda scored 12 goals and provided five assists. After that she scored only one goal and added one assist. The scoring drought isn’t from a lack of chances either. Now, she finds herself on the other side of an international break against a team that has given up 41 goals this season. Much like the Pride defense, this is an excellent opportunity for Banda and the Pride offense to find their scoring mojo. If they can do that, it will not only help the team against Seattle, but also heading into the playoffs.

That is what I will be looking for Saturday night. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!

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