Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride vs. Sky Blue FC: Final Score 2-1 as Pride Concede Twice After Halftime

For the second game in a week, the Orlando Pride took a 1-0 lead over Sky Blue FC into halftime, only to see it evaporate in the second half. But, unlike on Wednesday – when the team conceded only once to draw, 1-1 – this time the Pride gave up two second-half goals to lose 2-1. The announced crowd of 6,788 at Camping World Stadium watched Samantha Kerr and Maya Hayes beat Ashlyn Harris to erase the one-goal deficit for Sky Blue.
The loss spoiled a marvelous first-half free kick goal by Kristen Edmonds – her team-leading sixth – and extended Orlando’s winless streak to seven games (0-6-1). The Pride fell to 6-12-1 overall, on 19 points, and haven’t won since July 10 against the Boston Breakers. Orlando is in eighth place but the Houston Dash could surpass the Pride with a result tomorrow against the last-place Breakers.
“Obviously at halftime we were quite happy. I thought the game was fairly even in the first half and they got the opportunity and scored so we came out in the second half feeling quite confident and quite comfortable,” Head Coach Tom Sermanni said after the match. “And then an Achilles’ heel of ours – it seems to have continuous this season – of suicidal defending.
“That’s the killer. Then you’re chasing the game at 2-1 against a team that’s well organized and that’s got some very good defenders. We just struggled to break them down from there.”
The first half was played mostly between the two boxes with both teams’ attack breaking down either on the wing or just above the penalty area. The Pride got the first good scoring chance off a brilliant run by newcomer Lisa De Vanna. The Australian international weaved through the Sky Blue defense and laid off to Jasmyne Spencer on the right. The winger skied her effort over the bar on what turned out to be only a warning shot five minutes into the game.
Four minutes later, Dani Weatherholt tried to play in Alex Morgan but the captain’s first touch was a bit heavy and she was unable to re-gather to get a shot off.
Sky Blue finally got forward in the 11th minute by starting to play more direct balls over the Pride defense. The visitors’ first such foray was thwarted by a nice play by Monica in front of her goal, giving Sky Blue a corner kick that came to nothing. In fact, Orlando had a counter off of it but Spencer was offside.
In the 19th minute, Sermanni got a scare when defender Kristin Grubka stepped in front of Morgan on a Pride counter and buried her shoulder into the chest of Orlando’s captain, who stayed down for a couple of minutes. Grubka was shockingly not booked by referee Danielle Chesky for the challenge, which was not only a tactical foul designed to slow down Morgan with no attempt to play the ball, but was also a violent play. Ultimately, Morgan got up and was able to continue.
Sky Blue nearly opened the scoring in the 28th after Samantha Kerr – who scored the equalizer Wednesday – was sent in with a lovely ball over the top but she shot wide. It was the first foray in a good spell for Sky Blue FC, which started to get more traction with direct play. The best opportunity was on a flurry of chances when Josee Belanger went down with what looked like a hamstring injury, as Maya Hayes and Kelley O’Hara both had attempts at goal, with the first blocked and the second off target.
Belanger went directly to the locker room and Toni Pressley came on moments later, sending Cami Levin from left back to right and Pressley took the left fullback spot. Sermanni said Belanger suffered a hamstring injury and would likely miss the season finale.
The Pride breakthrough came moments after Pressley came on. Morgan tangled feet with Erin Simon but came away with the ball before being tripped, setting up a free kick in a good spot about 25 yards out. Edmonds stepped up and curled in a gorgeous shot that found the upper 90 on the right side, just above the outstretched hand of Caroline Casey.
43' GOOOOOOALLLL KRISTEN EDMONDS. Buries the free kick into the upper 90.#ClassicEdmonds#ORLvNJ | 1-0 pic.twitter.com/uhmDsQMysV
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) September 11, 2016
“We were trying to see where the keeper was going to go,” Edmonds said, of her dicussion with Pressley, who was also poised to take the free kick. “She was really far to our left so I said to Toni, I’m just going to hit this one, and I did, and it went upper 90, so it worked out.”
Orlando took that 1-0 lead to the half and looked to be the better side for the most part, out-shooting Sky Blue, 5-2, and holding a 2-0 edge in shots on target.
The visitors continued their direct attacks in the second half, playing balls over and through Pride center backs Monica and Kaylyn Kyle for attacking players – primarily Kerr and Hayes. Sky Blue’s speed and quickness was too much for Orlando’s back line, which also failed to recognize dangerous runs until it was too late to prevent scoring chances.
Kerr took a ball and split the defense with a quick, darting move and then slotted home 1-v-1 against Ashlyn Harris to make it 1-1 just three minutes into the second half.
“It’s called being brain dead in simple terminology,” Sermanni said about his team’s start to the second half. “I think we lost the first goal from a goalkeeper kick out, where we’ve got to press the ball. We haven’t got close enough, haven’t got tight enough, and then being started with a ball over the top – classic defending 101, to be honest. It should just never, ever happen at this level and it’s happened twice in the last four days.”
Two minutes later, Grubka was booked for knocking Sarah Hagen down just outside the Sky Blue penalty area, and that should have been the second, leaving the visitors down a player. The referee’s decision in the first half was magnified by that call in the second. Pressley crushed the ensuing free kick into the seats. It was a wasteful opportunity in a second half full of them, as the Pride failed to get a shot on target in the second period.
Three minutes after that free kick, Hayes burned Kyle and Cami Levin to get onto a long ball, approaching goal all alone. Harris did well to stop the first shot, but the ball squirted out behind the Pride keeper and Hayes was there to finish on the second chance to make it 2-1.
“The second one – until I look at the video I’m not sure – but for me it was a factor of two things,” Sermanni said. “It was a factor of very, very poor decisions in possession in our own half; being sloppy; not being careful enough to keep the ball, coupled by unbelievably poor, diving-in, amateurish defending. I’m at a loss.”
Sky Blue continued to play in direct balls and nearly capitalized again two minutes later but Kyle did well to draw a foul in her own area to end the threat. Harris was called into action again in the 76th minute, making what is sure to be an NWSL Save of the Week candidate off a header by Kerr, who got to a long cross into the box. Harris made a diving one-handed stop to keep it at 2-1.
Sermanni brought on Jamia Fields for De Vanna and Laura Alleway for Weatherholt, looking to spark something. Alleway very nearly had the equalizer in stoppage time, getting a head onto an outstanding cross by Morgan but the Aussie’s shot was off frame.
90+' What a ball from Morgan!! Alleway nearly finds the net as she gets a head on the ball. Wow.#ORLvNJ | 1-2 pic.twitter.com/0x7ghQQs5J
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) September 11, 2016
Orlando’s inaugural season comes to a conclusion in two weeks, when the Pride host FC Kansas City in the final game of the year on Sept. 24 at 5 p.m.
Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride Sign Two Players to Short-Term Contracts
With a couple of active roster slots open, the Pride have signed two of their non-roster invitees to short-term contracts.

The Orlando Pride have signed goalkeeper DeAira Jackson and midfielder Aryssa Mahrt to short-term contracts. Both players were non-roster invitees to the club’s 2025 preseason camp and have obviously made an impression in a short time.
“We’re pleased to welcome both DeAira and Aryssa to Orlando. Both players bring unique qualities that will enhance our roster during this period,” Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter said in a club press release. “DeAira brings important depth to our goalkeeping unit with her strong shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box. Aryssa’s technical ability and vision give us additional options in the final third. These signings reflect our commitment to maintaining a competitive roster while providing opportunities for talented young players to showcase and develop their abilities at the professional level.”
Jackson joins the Pride out of Grand Canyon University, where she was the 2024 WAC Goalkeeper of the Year and a member of the All-WAC first team following her last collegiate season. After playing two seasons at Cal State Fullerton, she transferred to Grand Canyon University and became the school’s all-time shutout leader with 16 in just two seasons. Nine of those came in her senior campaign, which set the school record for most clean sheets in a season. She was also the Outrigger No Ka Oi Tournament MVP and a two-time WAC Player of the Week in 2024. The Fontana, CA native appeared in 43 matches for Grand Canyon across two seasons, compiling a record of 25-11-7, the aforementioned 16 shutouts, a 0.89 goals-against average and a save percentage of .781, facing 415 shots in 3,754 minutes.
Mahrt played three seasons at the University of Wisconsin, appearing in 62 games (61 starts) and playing 4,503 minutes. The Milwaukee, WI native scored 21 goals and added 15 assists, putting 78 of her 114 shots on target. Eight of her goals were game winners. Mahrt started all 21 games in her senior season, leading the Badgers in goals (10) and assists (4). She has represented the United States at the youth level with both the U-14 and U-16 sides. Her soccer lineage includes a great grandfather who played for the Malaysian National Team.
What It Means for Orlando
Ultimately, these signings don’t mean much overall, aside from that the club rates these players as optional replacements. Grace Chanda, Simone Charley, and Rafaelle are still technically not part of the active roster, but may be reinstated whenever they are deemed healthy. Because there are available active roster spots available, why not use them? Additionally, Emily Sams and Anna Moorhouse have been called up to their national teams for upcoming competitions.
Orlando’s college scouting has been good, and no doubt the Pride would like to have these players stick around to push players in training and potentially fill in when players are forced out of the lineup by injury or international duty.
Orlando Pride
Seb Hines Has Decisions To Make For Orlando Pride’s Back Line
What will the Pride’s back line look like when everyone is healthy?

As the 2025 NWSL season approaches, the Orlando Pride’s roster is taking shape. While the lineup will mostly remain the same, the departure of Adriana and the addition of Prisca Chilufya will impact changes. Additionally, the team has a key previously injured player returning for next season, something that will force Head Coach Seb Hines to make some tough decisions.
One of the most interesting situations impacting the Pride is the back line. Last season, Rafaelle went down with an injury that forced Emily Sams back to her natural center back position, partnering with Kylie Strom. The duo were terrific down the stretch, lifting their team to 14 shutouts, including in the NWSL Championship.
The move forced rookie Cori Dyke to take a more significant role, starting at right back. It was a tough situation for the 24-year-old, but she handled it brilliantly. Dyke was excellent during the final stretch of the season and especially during the playoffs, helping the team win the league title.
When Rafaelle returns from her injury and is fit to play, Hines will have three center backs, all of which have proven to make strong pairings on the back line. So how will the Pride boss handle the situation? Let’s take a look at some of his options.
If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
While Rafaelle is a Brazilian international and a great center back, Sams and Strom were fantastic together for much of last season. Sams began the year at right back, while Rafaelle and Strom were the center back pairing. When Sams was forced to move to her natural position, Dyke took over as the starting right back.
Dyke had a strong rookie campaign, especially after taking over. Taking her out of the starting lineup with how she performed would be difficult for Hines. It would be surprising to see Rafaelle healthy and on the bench, but the back line of Kerry Abello, Strom, Sams, and Dyke was the best in the league last year and Hines might not want to rock the boat.
Go Back To The Start of 2024
Another option is to go back to how the back line looked at the start of 2024. While Sams was a regular at center back in 2023, Hines moved her to right back to begin last season. In a corresponding move, Strom — who had been the starting left back since 2022 — moved to center back alongside Rafaelle.
With everyone healthy, Hines could give that lineup another chance. After all, Strom was more solid at center back than left back and Sams proved she’s more than capable of playing right back. This is probably the most likely option and would ensure the team’s three best defenders are on the field.
Return to 2023
The Pride acquired Rafaelle on July 3, 2023, while the league was in the middle of the FIFA Women’s World Cup break. When the Brazilian joined the team, she started with Sams at center back and Strom was the starting left back. Strom has much more experience at left back than Sams does at right back, so Hines could send her back to her original position.
However, Strom had her best season as a member of the Pride in 2024 while playing center back. It’s hard to believe that Hines would send his vice captain back to left back after playing her in the middle all of last year. Rafaelle and Sams are the team’s only other experienced center backs, so this option is a possibility, even if it is unlikely.
Take Advantage of Versatility
When it comes to acquiring defenders, one of the primary things Hines and Haley Carter consider is versatility. Almost everyone on the back line can play center back and at least one of the outside back positions. This gives Hines an opportunity that few coaches have with their rosters.
Hines could move the players around, pairing all three center backs at times and moving Strom to the left and Sams to the right occasionally. Even Dyke can play center back, as she did in college. Moving players around would give them breaks during the season, keeping them fresh.
This decision could also backfire. Players get comfortable with their positions, so moving them around constantly could impact their quality. It would be a risky choice and is unlikely, but given the versatility of the players, it is an option for Hines. He could also take advantage of their versatility by playing a back line of three center backs, using Strom, Rafaelle, and Sams, while pushing Kerry Abello and Dyke up to wingback.
The Pride won the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship in 2024, one of the best seasons for any team in league history. They have most of the team returning, so they’ll be a favorite to repeat in 2025. While most of the lineup will be back, there are still some questions to be answered. One of those is who will start along the back line. We’ll find out soon enough, and it will be interesting to see what Hines decides.
Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride Sign Zambian Forward Prisca Chilufya
Pride add to their attack by signing Zambian international Prisca Chilufya from FC Juarez.

The Orlando Pride announced today that the club has signed Zambian forward Prisca Chilufya to a three-year deal that runs through the 2027 season. She’s the third Zambian attacker to join the Pride in the last 10 months.
“We are thrilled to welcome Prisca to the Orlando Pride. Prisca is a dynamic forward who brings exceptional ability, speed, and a proven scoring record to our attack,” Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter said in a club press release. “Her experience in both international competition with Zambia and her success in Liga MX Feminil demonstrates the kind of top-tier talent we’re committed to bringing to Orlando. She represents both immediate impact and long-term potential, and we believe she will thrive in our environment. Her three-year commitment reflects our shared vision for building something special. We can’t wait for our fans to see her take the pitch in purple.”
The 25-year-old attacker joins the Pride from FC Juarez in Mexico. Since joining the team in 2023, she’s made 48 appearances and scored 14 goals. She’s scored four goals this year in just over half a season.
“I am honored to be joining Orlando Pride, a club with such a strong vision and commitment to excellence in women’s soccer,” Chilufya said in the club’s release. “I’m excited to bring my experience and skills to the NWSL, which is one of the most competitive leagues in the world. The opportunity to play alongside such talented teammates and learn from the coaching staff here in Orlando is something I’ve dreamed about. I’ve watched as the Pride have been built something special, and I want to contribute to the team’s success both on and off the field.”
Before moving to Mexico, Chilufya played for Tomris Turan of the Kazakh Women’s Championship, making 14 appearances and scoring 18 goals during the 2022-2023 season. She moved to that club from fellow Kazakh club BIIK Kazygurt — which she helped win the championship in 2021.
On the international level, Chilufya has been a regular for Zambia since making her debut in the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and qualifiers for the Tokyo Olympics. She took part in all three of Zambia’s games in the 2024 Paris Olympics, serving as an alternate for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Most recently, she played in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
What It Means for Orlando
This signing comes on the heels of the Pride transferring Brazilian star Adriana to the Saudi Women’s Premier League. It’s not surprising the club made a move to bring in an attacker and that the player was Zambian.
Chilufya is the third Zambian international the Pride have signed in the last year. It started with the acquisition of striker Barbra Banda, who quickly became a focal point of the Pride’s attack. Then they signed Grace Chanda, whose injury during the Olympics has thus far kept her from making her Pride debut.
The impact Chilufya will make on the team is unknown, but it won’t be easy to break into the lineup. With Adriana gone, Chanda will likely move into the attacking midfield if she’s healthy. Meanwhile, the club re-signed club captain Marta to a new two-year deal, and she’ll obviously play the 10 role. Julie Doyle and Summer Yates both played on the left side in 2024 and are expected to continue sharing responsibility there in 2025. Such competition for a starting spot can only help the club, pushing all of these attackers to develp their game.
Regardless of which players seize a starting spot, the Pride have added depth, something Carter continually tries to do. Head Coach Seb Hines will have plenty of choices in an attacking midfield that can be devastating to NWSL defenses at times. It’s a good move for the Pride after losing a key piece in the attack.
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