Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride vs. Portland Thorns: Final Score 0-0 In Orlando Home Finale

With a chance to earn a historic playoff spot, the Orlando Pride (10-6-7, 37 points) could not find the back of the net in the Pride’s final home game of 2017. Portland (12-5-6, 42 points), which has allowed the second fewest goals all season, showed its strong defense as the Pride and Thorns went goalless in front 7,353 fans in Orlando City Stadium. The Thorns are now unbeaten in five matches and the Pride also extended their unbeaten streak to eight (5-0-3) and earned their first-ever point against Portland in four meetings (0-3-1).
“It was a stressful game out there today,” said Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni. “Portland are a very good side. I thought it would be a grave injustice if we would’ve lost it. I think we limited them to one real chance. I think we dominated the game, particularly the first 30 minutes. I thought we played really well, but defensively they are a really good team. I was delighted with how our players went about the job tactically. I was delighted with the effort and thought if any team deserved to win it should be us.”
Kristen Edmonds made her first start since Orlando’s 2-1 win in Kansas City, coming back from a calf injury. The rest of the defense remained the same from the Seattle game and Camila slid forward into the midfield. This forced rookie Rachel Hill to a bench role with Alex Morgan, Marta, and Chioma Ubogagu leading the Pride attack to start.
Orlando clearly wanted to get an early goal and pushed forward in the beginning of the game. Chi had two shots in the first five minutes, and Steph Catley and Marta both had crossing opportunities. Morgan should have put the Pride ahead in the 12th minute, but the forward’s breakaway attempt was poor and Thorns’ ‘keeper Adrianna Franch caught the ball with ease.
After about four blocked shots from long range in the 18th minute, Alanna Kennedy took a low right-footed shot. Franch might not have made it in time to cover her left post, but Kennedy’s shot went inches wide and the game remained scoreless.
Most of the first half was all Pride, but in the 35th minute Portland started getting forward. The Thorns had a few chances, but their best opportunity was in the 40th minute when Ashleigh Sykes got in behind the Orlando defense after Hayley Raso played a beautiful through ball. Portland should have went ahead but Ashlyn Harris got a hand on it, and then Monica cleared the ball away from danger as it continued rolling toward goal.
Harris + Monica = Teamwork save! We're still scoreless in Orlando.
42' | 😈 0 – 🌹 0 #ORLvPOR #NWSLonLIFETIME pic.twitter.com/2F25f5engY
— NWSL (@NWSL) September 23, 2017
The first half ended goalless, but both teams had chances to get ahead. The theme of the first 45 minutes was Orlando getting chance after chance, but the Pride were unable to break Portland’s defense. The Thorns held their shape regardless of what the Pride attempted, and Orlando was simply not good enough. The Pride led in total shots (12-4), shots on target (2-1), possession (56%-44%), corners (2-1), and total passes (257-201), but the Thorns’ defense dominated.
Not five minutes into the second half, Sermanni was forced to make his first substitution after Catley went down with an injury. Jasmyne Spencer came on and went into the attacking line, moving Chi down to left back. This is the second time that Ubogagu has ever played left back in her life, the first being Orlando’s 1-1 draw against Chicago this year. After the game, Sermanni said that Catley had some inflammation in her knee and the substitution was to ensure that she will be ready for the season finale and playoffs.
Five minutes later, Tobin Heath made her first appearance of the year, coming on for Nadia Nadim. The U.S. Women’s National Team member immediately provided a spark for the visitors when she entered, and Portland started pressing more. Amandine Henry also came on for Allie Long.
“It’s always good to have your best players in the league,” said Sermanni about Tobin Heath coming back from injury. “It’s not so good when they’re baring down on your penalty area one against one, but I think for the good of the league it’s terrific to see her back. She a wonderful player. She has a great personality, she’s a great professional. It’s always good to have those players, and we need as many of those players in the league as we can get. It was really good to see her back, and even better that she didn’t score.”
In what started as a slow half, the Pride responded to Portland’s high pressure by picking up the pace themselves. Camila, who got beat up throughout the game, did not give up after being fouled in the 65th minute. The ref did not call anything and the Brazilian controlled the ball from the ground, got up, retained possession, and started a Pride attack. Nothing came from it, but the pace of the gave quickened and both teams started going for the three points.
The Pride kept trying to play a direct game, hit long balls forward and use their speed to break the Portland back line. This plan did not work however, and often led to chances at the other end of the field for the Thorns.
The Pride threw players forward as the game came to an end, but they were unable to get the win. While not guaranteed a spot in the playoffs after the draw, the Pride sit in a fantastic spot with one game remaining. Seattle needs two wins and to make up seven goal differential in order to have a chance at sneaking into the playoffs.
“[The draw] puts an awful lot of pressure on Seattle to win both games and turn a seven-goal difference around,” Sermanni said. “I think I’d much rather be in our position now than Seattle’s position but we still theoretically need another point.”
The Pride play their final game of the season on Saturday, Sept 30. when Orlando travels to NWSL leaders North Carolina. The Pride need a point in that match to guarantee a spot in the final four.
Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride Extend Emily Sams’ Contract through 2027
NWSL Defender of the Year Emily Sams has extended her deal with the Orlando Pride on the heels of a stellar 2024 season.

The Orlando Pride announced this afternoon that the club has extended the contract to 2024 NWSL Defender of the Year Emily Sams. The U.S. international, who was recently named to the 2025 SheBelieves Cup roster, signed a new deal to remain with the Pride through the 2027 NWSL season.
Sams, 25, was previously under contract through 2026. She likely received a bump in pay to commit to an additional year after having a career year in helping lead the Pride to the 2024 NWSL Shield and 2024 NWSL Championship. She also received her first cap with the United States Women’s National Team in 2024.
“Extending Emily’s future with the Pride through 2027 represents an important milestone for our club,” Orlando Pride Vice President and Sporting Director Haley Carter said in a club press release. “Emily embodies everything we value in a Pride player — exceptional talent, unwavering commitment, and strong leadership both on and off the field. Her defensive prowess and ability to read the game have been instrumental to our back line, and her presence in the locker room helps drive the culture we’re building here in Orlando. This extension reflects not only our belief in Emily’s abilities but also our commitment to maintaining a core group of players who understand what it means to represent this club and this community.”
Selected third overall in the 2023 NWSL Draft, Sams appeared in 25 games during the 2024 regular season (24 starts) and logged 2,185 minutes, which was the most playing time among all outfield players and second on the club only to goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse. The only match she didn’t start and play the entire 90 minutes was the road game against the Portland Thorns — the match immediately after the Pride won the NWSL Shield. This came on the heels of playing all but three minutes of her rookie season in 2023.
She scored her first professional goal on two shots — both of which were on target — and provided three assists in the regular season. Sams completed 1,159 of her 1,314 passes (88%). Defensively, she contributed 24 tackles and 26 interceptions, winning 31 headed duels.
In the NWSL playoffs, Sams started in all three games, logging 270 minutes. She did not score or attempt a shot, but she recorded an assist. The defender connected on 144 of her 158 postseason passes (91%). Defensively, Sams contributed four tackles and three interceptions.
Due to her participation as an alternate on the USWNT at the Summer Olympics, Sams did not appear in the Summer Cup matches. She was moved to the active roster for a match during the Olympics but did not feature.
Sams led the Pride to numerous club and league records, including the longest shutout streak in NWSL history (554) and the most shutouts in one season (13). For her efforts, she became the first Orlando player to win NWSL Defender of the Year and made the NWSL Best XI first team. She received a rating of 9 out of 10 from The Mane Land staff following the 2024 campaign for her performance throughout the season.
Along with all the other awards she won, Sams became the first player to win an Olympic Gold Medal and the NWSL Championship in the same year.
What It Means for Orlando
This is great news for Orlando Pride fans. In an off-season that saw multiple U.S. internationals leave the NWSL to play overseas, the NWSL is still a star-studded league, and Sams is one of those stars. To have a player of her caliber commit to Orlando when competing against historic clubs that have UEFA Champions League-winning ambitions for the services of top players is a win for the Pride. That isn’t to say she couldn’t or won’t be sold at some point, but by locking her into a deal for an additional year is important, even if a deal comes along that is too good to pass up (and has the player’s blessing).
Sams is just entering the prime of her career and is already one of the best defenders in women’s soccer, as shown by her Defender of the Year turn in 2024. She will be counted on to anchor the Pride back line for the remainder of her time in Orlando and she likely has more development to come. This is a player the Pride will continue to build around as a cornerstone of the club.
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.
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