2018 Orlando Pride Season in Review: Camila

Camila joined the Pride last season, and had an outstanding 2017 campaign. It was so good that she received a score of 7.5 from The Mane Land staff for her efforts. Sadly, despite starting all 24 matches in 2017, she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain in her right knee in the season finale against the North Carolina Courage. She would miss the playoffs, and start a long road back to the starting lineup.

The Brazilian wouldn’t be eligible for selection until the end of June, and didn’t make the field until July 7 in the Pride’s 2-1 win over the Washington Spirit. Even then it was obvious that she was still working her way back.

Statistical Breakdown

Camila made nine appearances in 2018, three of them starts (down from 24 and 22 last year, respectively), and played only 318 minutes. In games she started, she was subbed off all three times. Statistically, she had one clearance and one block, with one interception. She had a 75% tackle success, a 36.8% duel success rate, and a 33.3% aerial duel success rate. Camila had of passing rate of 72.3% on 130 total passes, and a 38.5% long pass rate. On offense she took nine shots with two on target, with no goals and no assists. Camila committed 12 fouls while drawing only six. She received three yellow cards, and no red cards.

Best Game

Picking a best game from a bunch mediocre to bad appearances is no easy task. In the end I settled on the Pride’s 2-2 draw against Sky Blue FC on Aug. 5. Camila came on in the 61st minute, took two shots, and generally played a bit more like the player we missed. When the Pride were down 2-1, she made a run into the area over the top of the box, where she was fouled. It would have set up a nice free kick, except that the referee called advantage as the ball bounced forward to Dani Weatherholt who put it in to draw the Pride even.

Final 2018 Grade

The Mane Land staff gave Camila a 4 for the 2018 season. That grade is right at her average match grade throughout the season, where she received a low of 3.5, a high of 5.5, and an average of 4. Camila played on the defensive line, as a defensive midfielder, and even as a forward. Obviously, coming back from an injury is never easy, especially with how severe her injury was. It would have been unrealistic to expect her to regain her 2017 form, though we still hoped it would happen. How much was her readjusting to being back, and how much was a team that couldn’t find it’s stride is debatable. What isn’t debatable is that she wasn’t the same player, and her final grade reflects that reality.

2019 Outlook

I’m hopeful that Camila will continue to make a full recovery and return to her 2017 form. Another off season and training camp might make a difference. As to whether Camila will be on the squad in 2019 will depend a a few things. First, she’ll need to accept the new contract offer she received from the Pride. Obviously, she takes up an international spot, as well as potentially being called up to the Brazilian National Team for the World Cup. Then there’s the whole new coach thing. If she is able to get back in 90-minute shape, and find her aggressiveness again, I think the new coach would be hard pressed not to make sure she stays in Orlando. As it is with nearly every player, there’s plenty to be determined, and it won’t happen anytime real soon.

Previous Season in Review Posts (Date Posted)

• Rachel Hill (9/23)
• Christine Nairn (9/24)
• Sydney Leroux (9/25)
• Monica (9/26)
• Carson Pickett (9/27)
• Haley Kopmeyer (9/27)
• Kristen Edmonds (9/28)
• Poliana (10/1)
• Ashlyn Harris (10/2)
• Chioma Ubogagu (10/4)
• Toni Pressley (10/4)
• Shelina Zadorsky (10/6)
• Dani Weatherholt (10/09)
• Ali Krieger (10/12)
• Marta (10/13)
• Danica Evans (10/17)