A Look at the Orlando Pride Forwards

In 2016, the Orlando Pride only managed to score 20 goals in 20 matches, third-lowest total in the National Women’s Soccer League. This season, the club will look to improve its offensive firepower as it will have new options up top. Here’s a look at the Pride’s forwards and what we can expect from them this season.

Christina Burkenroad

The 2016 draft pick out of Cal State Fullerton made seven appearances in 2016, but failed to score a goal in all seven. She is expected to be featured this season again up top, and at only 23, she still has room to grow as a player. It will be interesting to see how she performs in her sophomore season.

Jamia Fields

Fields seized her opportunity last season during the Olympics when the Pride lost six players to international duty. She ended the 2016 season with a total of 12 appearances, six of which she started. The former Florida State player produced one assist and had a 17% shots on goal percentage. She should be a player that can come off the bench and give the Pride some quality minutes in 2017.

Sarah Hagen

The Wisconsin native was a regular in the Pride lineup, playing in 17 of the club’s 20 matches. She finished the season with two goals and two assists. Expect to see her play up top quite often this season.

Alex Morgan

Morgan is currently on loan at Olympique Lyonnais in France and is expected to rejoin the Pride in June. Last season, the United States international started in all 15 of her appearances, scoring four goals and providing one assist. She should be in good from upon arrival to Orlando and will bring even more experience from her time in Europe.

Jasmyne Spencer

Spencer played in every single match for the Pride last season, scoring four goals. During the off-season, she spent time in Australia with Canberra United, where she made 10 appearances, but failed to find the back of the net. In February, Spencer reached a new contract agreement with the club, which signals her worth to the Pride. Expect to see the veteran often this season.

Chioma Ubogagu

The newest addition to the Pride forward line is Ubogagu, who was acquired in January. She has experience playing in both the U.S and England. In 2015, she spent a season with the Arsenal Ladies club, where she scored six goals in 14 appearances. Last year, she played for the Houston Dash, scoring one goal in 15 appearances. Ubogagu should be a nice addition to the Pride as she possesses the speed and skill that the team seemed to lack on the pitch.