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Orlando Pride

Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit: Final Score 2-1 as Marta’s Late Strike Wins It

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6 years ago

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After a brief 30-minute weather delay before the match, the Orlando Pride (7-5-4, 25 points) broke their two-game losing streak by beating the Washington Spirit (2-10-4, 16 points), 2-1, thanks to goals by Sydney Leroux and Marta. The win moved them back up to second in the standings.

It was a match that appeared much tougher than it probably had to be as the Pride barraged the Spirit with 31 shots, 12 on target, in what can only be described as a frustrating night at finishing.

On a losing streak and about to head on a two-game road trip, everyone agreed this was a “must-win” as the Pride looked to get back to form.

“I am really proud of the players in a match that ended up being much tighter than it should have been,” Head Coach Tom Sermanni said after the win. “We knew this going to be a must-win match and the players deserve a lot praise for coming back. We deserved that game.”

Forward Sydney Leroux, who had a goal and assist on the day echoed Tom’s words.

“Today was a must-win. That was it,” she said. “We all knew. Going down we knew we were going to come back.”

Despite Tom Sermanni’s talk of needing better chemistry, we saw a different formation from the past match against North Carolina, moving back to a 4-3-3 with Marta playing the No. 9 (for injured Alex Morgan) and Chi Ubogagu coming in on the left. Christine Nairn also picked up the start in midfield triangle, replacing Rachel Hill from the 4-4-2 last week.

Both sides were missing players as Orlando was without Danica Evans (excused absence) and Alex Morgan with a calf strain she picked up in the loss to North Carolina. Washington had a laundry list as out were Cali Farquharson (left tibial stress injury), Cheyna Matthews (pregnancy), Mallory Pugh (right PCL sprain), Arielle Ship (right ACL), and Tiffany Weimer (left knee Baker’s cyst) — all were not in the 18.

The match started quickly as both teams had opportunities in the attacking half within the first few minutes. Washington started in the first minute with a through ball that created a collision between goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris and Spirit winger Francisca Ordega. That collision would lead to an early substitution in the ninth minute for Ordega, as Meggie Dougherty Howard replaced her.

The Pride were all over the attack having seven shots in the first 11 minutes but they couldn't find the back of the net. Marta, Ubogagu, and Leroux all had their chances but most sailed wide or right to Spirit — former Orlando Pride — goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe. The best chance found Marta rifling a shot to Bledsoe’s left, who made a great diving save from only 16 yards out.

The first half was largely played in the middle third of the field as both teams played very high lines and heavy pressure. This caused a bit of congestion in the middle of the field and neither team seemed to recognize the run or ball over the top to break either down. Rather both teams played a possession-oriented style which led to some nice combination play but a very contested first half.

In the 25th minute the Sprit finally broke through as a corner found Ashley Hatch on the six at the back post. Hatch rose over all the defenders and sent a slow header back across goal. With no defender marking that post, Harris looked like a deer in headlights as she helplessly watched it roll into the goal to give the Spirit a 1-0 lead.

The Pride took 20 more minutes to find their equalizer but did so in the first minute of first-half stoppage time. Kennedy stepped up on a pass in midfield and then found Leroux at the top of the six 1-v-1. Leroux dribbled down to the end line, cut back, and hit a near-post shot that Bledsoe probably should have had but it trickled in for a 1-1 tie at halftime.

The second half was a story of Pride domination with no payoff as they continued to pour it on the Spirit. The Pride had six shots alone in the first 15 minutes, with one of the best opportunities coming via a Pickett shot/cross that forced an awkward save at the Spirit goal line.

From there the play seemed to be nowhere else but in the Pride’s attacking half as they were all over the Spirit defense. With 18 more shots by the Pride, the Spirit were on their heels after that Pickett cross/shot. But to frustration at times, many of the shots found Bledsoe pretty easily or were sent wide.

That frustration hit its climax in the 76th minute when a phantom challenge by Camila led to what at first looked like a Dani Weatherholt goal. However, the ref called the play back after what looked like simulation by the Spirit player. Pride Assistant Coach Khano Smith wasn't pleased at all, apparently kicked a chair, and was sent off for dissent.

A corner in the the 80th minute was the Pride’s next chance at goal as Marta found midfielder Alanna Kennedy, who towered over everyone only to shake the crossbar on a great header.

Finally, the Pride found their goal and it was none other than Marta — arguably the best player on the night — who carried the ball 75 yards after Leroux found her wide open in the middle of the field. She then beat her defender twice inside the box, cutting back to her left and rifling a ball off the top of the crossbar into the back of the net for the Pride to take a 2-1 lead in the 86th minute.

The Spirit pressed for the final few minutes, getting a bit of chances in the last minute on a corner sequence that had a multitude of blocked shots and half clearances but looked more dangerous than it actually was.

Energy and determination was a common theme in the post-match press conference. The Pride played with a fire all night and it was the game plan from the start.

“It was a team mindset, we all were on the same page. We didn’t want to give them breathing room,” Leroux said. “We normally give teams space, and today we shut that down with pressure, and high press.”

“We played with aggression and determination,” Sermanni added. “We set about the game in a determined fashion. We really put the effort in and a real willingness to win. And combined it with good football.”

Sermanni, who has been looking for a more cohesive match said, “it was a complete game in a sense that we were in charge for a large part of the game, we were much more consistent. When we didn’t have the ball we were much more on the front foot. Our Achilles heel has been soft on transition and that aggressiveness paid off.”

Despite being in control for much of the match, the Pride did start off down 1-0 after multiple chances didn’t come through. But it was Marta’s leadership that often calmed the team down as she reminded her teammates that it was going to come.

“We need to learn how to play in these situations where we are down. We can’t be crazy and just put the ball on the ground and just play our game,” she said. “We will get there. We have 25 minutes, it doesn’t matter the time or the score, we have to know we can do it.”

In what was the maybe the best moment of the night, Camila saw her first action after knee surgery in October of last season when she checked into the game in the 60th minute.

“We had always intended to bring in her tonight regardless,” Sermanni said. “It’s really good that she’s come through this well and is ready for selection.”

Camila, who has had her teammates’ support for so long was excited for her first match in 2018.

“I was very happy to get the chance today,” she said. “I was anxious to play. and I came in in a tough game and I got more tired than I was used to. I was happy I could help my team to achieve this win.”

Orlando dominated statistically, out-shooting the Spirit, 31-16 (12-5 on goal) and holding 56% of the possession. The Pride out-passed the Spirit, 77%-67%.

The Pride return to action on short rest Wednesday at the Houston Dash at 8:30 p.m. ET to start a two-game road trip that also see them in Utah against the Royals next Saturday.

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Opinion

Three Orlando Pride Games to Circle on the Calendar

Let’s take a brief look at three games to pay extra attention to during Orlando’s upcoming NWSL campaign.

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8 hours ago

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January 24, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

We got the release of the Orlando Pride’s 2025 schedule on Wednesday, which means we’re that little bit closer to the start of the season on March 7. The nature of the 14-team National Women’s Soccer League means that there are fewer scheduling quirks than with the 30-team Major League Soccer, with each team playing the other 13 clubs twice each. Still, there’s plenty to dig into with regards to how the scheduling shakes out, and now that I’ve had time to examine what 2025 holds, I’ve got three games in particular that I’ve got circled on my match calendar. Behold.

March 7 — vs. Washington Spirit

You had to know this was coming, right? There’s so much to like about this game. Not only is it the home opener, but as the NWSL Challenge Cup match, it’s also a chance to win another piece of silverware in a rematch of last year’s NWSL Championship game. This game sells itself on just about every level imaginable. The Pride return almost everyone from a wildly successful 2024 season, and while there aren’t a ton of new signings to familiarize ourselves with, getting healthy versions of Grace Chanda and Simone Charley is essentially like getting two brand new players. It’ll be our first chance to gauge where the Pride stand as they try to continue on from the high standards that were set last year, and we should also get a couple new banners hoisted into the rafters. You can hardly ask for more than all that.

Aug. 16 — at Kansas City Current

The Current were excellent in 2024, finishing fourth and boasting the league’s best attack, with 57 goals scored in 26 games, for an over two goals per game average. The Pride, meanwhile, had the league’s third-best attack, with 46 goals, and the joint-best defense with just 20 conceded. Orlando never lost to Kansas City in 2024, as the Pride drew and won the regular-season contests and then won again in the semifinal matchup between the two teams. The pair have made a habit of putting on entertaining affairs, and with the match placed as one of the first ones to occur after the league’s July break, it might go a long way towards setting the tone for the back half of Orlando’s season.

Nov. 2 — vs. Seattle Reign

The NWSL is bringing back Decision Day this year, and the Pride have been blessed with a home game on the league’s final day of regular-season play. On paper, Orlando has also been handed a favorable matchup against a Seattle team that struggled last year and is in the midst of a rebuild. Given how tight the margins tend to be in the upper reaches of the league, every point takes on added importance, and playoff scenarios can swing wildly when everyone is playing at the same time. It’s always nice to be able to play at home in a situation that variable, and it can make for a truly memorable atmosphere that will (hopefully) set Orlando up for another postseason run on the right note.

It feels a little cheap to highlight the first and last games of the season, but I can’t help liking what I like. Are there any games that you’re especially looking forward to this season? Be sure to have your say down in the comments. Vamos Orlando!

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Orlando Pride

A 2025 Orlando Pride Wish List

Four things I want for the Orlando Pride in 2025.

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1 day ago

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January 23, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

I know that it probably seems greedy to ask for anything more after the Orlando Pride won both the NWSL Shield and the NWSL Championship in 2024, but I’m still going to do so. If the Pride want to repeat their success in 2025, they will need a little bit more than in 2024. Let’s look at my wish list for the defending champs.

No Banda Slump

Barbra Banda scored 12 goals with five assists in her first 12 matches with the Pride. She then scored one goal with one assist in the next 10 regular season matches. I know that players have slumps. Strikers in particular tend to be streaky when it comes to goal contributions. I’m just asking that Banda not have another slump quite that big in 2025.

It might be that teams did a better job of double- or triple-teaming her on defense. Perhaps she just got a little unlucky during the slump. Whatever the reason, I hope that her familiarity with her teammates, the league, and Seb Hines’ style of play allows her to significantly increase her goal contributions this season.

A Healthy Chanda and Charley

Neither Grace Chanda nor Simone Charley were able to see the pitch much for the Pride last season. That hopefully changes in 2025. Adding these two players is almost like signing new players, except they’ve been there for everything. There’s no need to adapt to the culture of the club, as they are already a part of it all.

Chanda not only brings international experience, but she has played with Banda for the Zambian National Team. I expect she’ll be able to make an immediate impact when she integrates into the attack. As for Charley, she will be yet another speedy striker the Pride can utilize in their potent attack.

Adding Depth Contributions

The 2024 season saw some players step up a level. Ally Watt had one of her best seasons, Summer Yates impressed everyone, and Cori Dyke earned a starting spot after an appearance on SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast. If we can have other young players make the same type of jump in 2025, it bodes well for the club.

Despite having the best defense in the league, the Pride are a little light along the back. I’d like to see Brianna Martinez and new signee, Zara Chavoshi, make some noise on the back line when they get some minutes. There’s also the possibility of a non-roster invitee impressing enough to get a contract. Depth is incredibly important for a team looking to repeat.

Overcoming History

Winning back-to-back anything in any sport is difficult. Every other team will bring their best against you. The weight of expectations can also be very heavy. That being said, if any club can do it, this Pride team can.

The coaches and players already dealt with the pressure of the undefeated streak last season. They dealt with the pressure of winning the NWSL Cup after winning the NWSL Shield. They have dealt with plenty of pressure. Now, they will need to find the proper motivation to propel them to the top yet again. There will be no sneaking up on the league this year.

Those are some of the things I want to see in 2025, but I want to know your thoughts on these points. Perhaps you have some wishes of your own. Let me know in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!

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Orlando Pride

Orlando Pride Announce 2025 NWSL Schedule

We now know who, where, and when the Pride will play in 2025 as they seek to defend their two shiny trophies.

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2 days ago

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January 22, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

The National Women’s Soccer League schedule was released this afternoon, telling us who, where, and when the Orlando Pride will play this year as they look to defend their NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship. The 2025 season once again includes a balanced schedule with each team playing the other 13 teams once at home and once away. As previously announced, the Pride will take part in the NWSL Challenge Cup against the Washington Spirit on March 7 at 8 p.m. at Inter&Co Stadium prior to the regular season.

The Pride will open the season at home against the Chicago Red Stars at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 14. The first road contest will take place on Sunday, March 23 at NJ/NY Gotham FC. Like last year, the season will end with a Decision Day matchup at home against Seattle Reign FC on Sunday Nov. 2 at a time to be announced later.

The postseason will start with the quarterfinals taking place Nov. 7-9, with matches televised on ESPN/ABC, CBS/Paramount+, and Prime Video. The semifinals will be played the weekend of Nov. 14-16 and broadcast on CBS/Paramount+ and ESPN/ABC. The final will take place in primetime and will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.

The Pride’s longest homestand this season will be just two games, which happens four times if counting the Challenge Cup match against the Spirit and season opener against the Red Stars. Orlando will host Washington and Angel City on April 19 and 25, respectively; the Utah Royals and Racing Louisville on Aug. 3 and 9, respectively; and Bay FC and the North Carolina Courage on Sept. 13 and 19, respectively.

The longest road trip this year will also be two games, occurring four times: at Portland and North Carolina May 3 and 10, at Bay FC and Louisville June 13 and 20, at Kansas City and Angel City Aug. 16 and 21, and at San Diego and Houston Sept. 26 and Oct. 3.

There are no regular-season matches scheduled in July, meaning the league is taking a break for any potential summer international friendlies/tournaments or an as-yet-unannounced cup competition. The Pride’s busiest month will be August, in which they’ll play five matches, with three at home and two on the road. There will be four Pride matches in March (counting the Challenge Cup), May, and September; three each in April, June, and October, and one — the regular-season finale — in November.

Here’s the month-by-month breakdown for the regular season:

  • March – 3 (plus the Challenge Cup)
  • April – 3
  • May – 4
  • June – 3
  • July – 0
  • August – 5
  • September – 4
  • October – 3
  • November – 1

The most common day the Pride will play this year will be on Friday (11 times, or 12 times counting the Challenge Cup), including four consecutive Friday games late in the season. They’ll play 10 Saturday games, four Sunday matches, and once on Thursday (at Angel City Aug. 21).

Here is the Pride’s schedule by day in the regular season:

  • Friday – 11 (plus the Challenge Cup)
  • Saturday – 10
  • Sunday – 4
  • Thursday – 1

Pride games will air on various platforms again in 2025, including Prime Video, ESPN 2, ESPN, ION, NWSL+, Paramount+, CBS, and CBS Sports Network.

A new NWSL Rivalry Weekend has been added to the schedule in 2025. While the Pride have some rivalries growing naturally against Kansas City and Washington, they have been pitted against Racing Louisville for some reason. Both teams wear purple, I guess.

Fans who support both Orlando City and the Pride will be interested to know the teams play on the same day eight times this season, but only twice do the game times overlap — on May 3, when the Pride play at 7:30 p.m. at Portland and the Lions play at 8:30 p.m. at Chicago; and on May 10, when the Lions host New England at 7:30 and the Pride and Courage kick off in North Carolina at the same time. However, the teams cut it close a couple other times, with the Pride hosting the Washington Spirit at 5 p.m. April 19 and the Lions playing at Montreal at 7:30 p.m.; and on Sept. 13, with the Pride hosting Bay FC at 5 p.m. and Orlando City facing D.C. United at 7:30 p.m. The other four times the teams play on the same day, the kickoffs are at least three hours apart and as many as 10.5 hours apart (March 29).

2025 Orlando Pride Schedule (All Times Eastern)

  • Friday, March 7 — vs. Washington Spirit, 8 p.m. (Prime Video) – NWSL Challenge Cup
  • Friday, March 14 — vs. Chicago Red Stars, 8 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • Sunday, March 23 — at NJ/NY Gotham FC, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)
  • Saturday, March 29 — vs. San Diego Wave, 12 p.m. (ESPN)
  • Saturday, April 12 — at Seattle Reign FC, 7:30 p.m. (ION)
  • Saturday, April 19 — vs. Washington Spirit, 5 p.m. (ION)
  • Friday, April 25 — vs. Angel City FC, 8 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • Saturday, May 3 — at Portland Thorns, 7:30 p.m. (ION)
  • Saturday, May 10 — at North Carolina Courage, 7:30 p.m. (ION)
  • Friday, May 16 — vs. Kansas City Current, 8 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • Friday, May 23 — at Utah Royals, 9:30 p.m. (NWSL+)
  • Saturday, June 7 — vs. Houston Dash, 7 p.m. (NWSL+)
  • Friday, June 13 — at Bay FC, 10 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • Friday, June 20 — at Racing Louisville, 8 p.m. (NWSL+)
  • Sunday, Aug. 3 — vs. Utah Royals, 6 p.m. (NWSL+/Paramount+)
  • Saturday, Aug. 9 — vs. Racing Louisville, 7:30 p.m. (ION)
  • Saturday, Aug. 16 — at Kansas City Current, 4 p.m. (CBS)
  • Thursday, Aug. 21 — at Angel City FC, 10:30 p.m. (CBS Sports Network)
  • Friday, Aug. 29 — vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC, 8 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • Sunday, Sept. 7 — at Chicago Red Stars, 3 p.m. (NWSL+/Paramount+)
  • Saturday, Sept. 13 — vs. Bay FC, 5 p.m. (ION)
  • Friday, Sept. 19 — vs. North Carolina Courage, 7:30 p.m. (NWSL+)
  • Friday, Sept. 26 — at San Diego Wave, 10:30 p.m. (NWSL+/Paramount+)
  • Friday, Oct. 3 — at Houston Dash, 8 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • Friday, Oct. 10 — vs. Portland Thorns, 8 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • Saturday, Oct. 18 — at Washington Spirit, 12:30 p.m. (CBS)
  • Sunday, Nov. 2 — vs. Seattle Reign FC, TBA (broadcast platform TBA)
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