Orlando Pride

Orlando Pride Media Day Highlights

Published

6 years ago

March 14, 2019

We’re just a month out from the Orlando Pride’s 2019 NWSL season opener against the Portland Thorns and the team held its annual preseason Media Day event at Orlando City Stadium. The event featured a press conference with Pride GM Erik Ustruck and Head Coach Marc Skinner, with six players made available to the media in a roundtable format.

The players who spoke to media members today were almost all internationals, with former USWNT automatic selection Ali Krieger being the only player of the six not currently involved in her national team setup. The five current internationals were Ashlyn Harris and Alex Morgan of the U.S., Alanna Kennedy of Australia, Marta of Brazil, and Chioma Ubogagu, who has recently been getting England call-ups.

The players unanimously lauded the atmosphere, attitude, and attention to detail that Skinner has brought to the Pride this preseason and seemed energized.

Here are the highlights from today’s event.

Ustruck/Skinner Press Conference

Skinner said he was “over the moon” at being selected as the Pride’s head coach and said he was “proud and privileged to be here.”
Initial interviews with players are nearly complete, as Skinner is finally getting to sit down with the international players who were late to arrive.
The buzz around camp, according to Skinner, is “really, really something that energizes you as a person.”
Skinner said he’s identified his targets and what his ideal team would look like, however, he said he’s still identifying the abilities of his players and giving players an opportunity to show what they can do.
Although Skinner said Tom Sermanni is a wonderful person and is sure he’ll do well at New Zealand, he’s here to bring a new direction to the club and said he coaches to allow his players to make decisions on the field because they have to know what they’re doing even when they can’t hear the coach in hostile environments.
Skinner spoke often of getting to know the players’ character, as well as treating the players as people first, and players second, regardless of whether they’re stars. He said he thinks of the players as he would if they were his daughters, and works with them to make them as successful as possible.
Ustruck said he hasn’t yet spoken with club partner Wolfsburg on the women’s side. He said he’d like the Pride to explore options such as bringing them over during their preseason period or to look at potential player loan opportunities.
Skinner, who has watched all of last year’s games, said the team was far off from performances last season but not far off in results. He stressed that there is some time involved in getting the team to play the way he wants it to play and that it might seem a bit high risk at first.
Both Skinner and Ustruck said the team will play an attractive brand of football and the GM said he expects that will help bring more fans to the stadium.
Skinner said the athleticism in the NWSL is massive but the transition part of the game could be better. “We have to re-educate players or just switch on their senses to do that. That’s what we’ll be doing in training.”
“I’m 100 percent sure that our players will love how we’re asking them to play,” Skinner said. “But they have to be brave. If you want to do something different and you want success to come to Orlando then they’re going to have to be brave. And that’s how I will expect them to be. My job is to support them through that process.”
Skinner said he’s not just here to coach players to win, but to improve as players.
The idea of having North Carolina (on the preseason schedule) was to get the Pride up to speed in playing an NWSL team, said Skinner.
“We will play fixtures that will challenge the players in different ways,” Skinner said of the preseason schedule. Ustruck said the full preseason schedule will be out in the next few days.
Ustruck mentioned that the North Carolina game in preseason would give the club an opportunity to learn how far they still need to go to get to the level of the defending champs.
Ustruck said the idea of a preseason invitational tournament would be difficult due to the MLS side having started its season but it’s something the club might look into if they can find the right location or if the stadium was available.
Skinner said his team likes to play tactically and force the other team into playing a way in which is to Orlando’s advantage.
Ustruck said Camila is still in Brazil because she’s working on getting her green card. Her interview was scheduled for today and she’s expected back by the weekend.
There will be a recognized Orlando Pride supporters group this year, said Ustruck. He said he wasn’t at liberty to speak about it just yet, however.
“There needs to be patience for this team to understand what we want them to do,” Skinner said. He added that he’s seen a desire from the players to buy into that.

Ashlyn Harris

“I have to say that I’ve been blown away by Marc,” Harris said about her new coach. “I’m very, very impressed with what he has brought just in the short amount of time that I’ve met him.”
Harris said the spark and enjoyment are back at training this preseason. “It’s like a breath of fresh air. This is a chance for people to start over and have new energy and a new opportunity.”
Harris said Skinner demands excellence and is detail-oriented. “He’s very organized and very, very specific about things.”
Harris said the international players are used to being in and out of the lineup but admitted this year would be challenging due to the time demands of the World Cup.
Last year is in the past for Harris and she wants to focus all her energy on 2019 and not what didn’t work in 2018. “We have a fresh start and I want to enjoy that taste in my mouth.”
“Marc is going to bring an element to this organization that people are going to be proud of and I’m excited to be on that train,” Harris said.
Harris said that Skinner sent her video clips from every touch from every game with notes attached, he has drones flying overhead every practice to record the players, and he frequently texts with thoughts as they occur.
Harris said that the feeling of unity hasn’t quite been there the last few years but that’s what Skinner is restoring in Orlando.

Ali Krieger

Krieger said that players can only change the culture of a team by bringing their best and control their work ethic and attitude each day.
“I think it’s so great to have somebody come in that makes every player feel like they’re the most important player,” Krieger said of Skinner. “I think that if we continue to create that positive atmosphere that will translate for sure on the field.”
Krieger said last year the team played more individually than as a collective group and expects the opposite this year.
Skinner creates an atmosphere where everybody feels important, said the veteran defender.
“Little specific movements, footwork stuff, the way your body is angled, or the pace of your pass,” – Krieger on the details that Skinner notices and brings to the team.
Skinner is “bringing the fun back into the game.”
Krieger reiterated Skinner’s statements in the presser about treating each person individually based on their needs.
“I don’t mind playing the underdog role,” she said. “If people think they’re going to come in here and it’s going to be easy-breezy, then good on them because we’re going to just crush it.”
Having a new coach will be an advantage for the Pride because no one in the league is going to know what to expect from Orlando.

Marta

“I like it here,” the Brazilian legend said. “I like the club. I like the atmosphere we have here. I like the city, the players. I think we have so much potential to [have] a very good season.”
Marta said her first impression of Skinner was good. “I see the energy he brings to the training and the ideas he brings to the players [are] good.”
Sermanni and Skinner are different. Skinner wants to keep the ball more and having the ball more means more opportunities to score.
“It’s about how we work together when we have the ball and when we don’t have the ball,” Marta said of the team’s philosophy.
Marta said players have to play hard and do their best for their club or they risk not being ready when called up to the national team. So there is no benefit in taking things easy with the club side to stay healthy for the World Cup.
When asked if she would continue to play internationally after this World Cup, Marta responded, “Let’s live day after day, you know?” She said if she feels good with her club and her teammates she can continue to do so with Brazil, too.
Marta said she was a little sad to see Monica and Poliana leave the club and hopes that they find a good new club to play for because that’s also important for the Brazilian national team.
When asked if she had any goals for the season, Marta replied, “Make more goals!”
Marta said Skinner’s system allows the freedom to roam and feel the game, so that she can play as both a midfielder and a forward, moving to spaces wherever she’s needed. “Not whatever I want,” she laughed, “but to produce good for the team.”

Alex Morgan

“I’m just eager to be coached by [Skinner], and for him to just implement his style, and for us to apply that in games,” Morgan said.
Morgan said she was happy with Ustruck’s decision to bring in Skinner to take the job.
“In previous years, just playing college teams is really difficult because that’s a hard gauge to see on like where we are in terms of how ready we are for the season,” Morgan said of the preseason. “So going in and playing North Carolina, obviously having them be the reigning champions from last year, it’s going to be just right away we’ll know what we still need to work on, where we are in terms of fitness, and in terms of Marc’s style being adapted by the team. So I’m really happy we’re making this trip.”
The team not having a lot of turnover is a good thing, Morgan said.
Morgan said the challenge for the Pride is the number of international players leaving for a big chunk of the season.
Younger players can learn from the internationals’ professionalism and they have to be eager to learn.
Morgan lauded France’s acceptance of women in sport as “exciting to see” and was glad to see the number of tickets sold for the World Cup games.
“I’m hopeful that we look very organized and have clear direction,” she said.
Morgan said she was impressed with Ustruck and his ability to bring in someone like Skinner.
She said she feels there’s still room for her to learn and grow as a player and she’s looking forward to Skinner helping her do that.

Alanna Kennedy

“I really like his direction and his philosophy,” Kennedy said of Skinner. “It’s something that’ll make all of us better, hopefully, as a collective.”
Kennedy talked about having surgery “thrown in there” during a six-week break. She said she’d played about 80 games in the previous 12 to 18 months. She said she’s now feeling good and is excited to be back in Orlando.
“When you’re in a positive environment, your well-being is taken care of, that’s when you’re able to thrive on the field,” she said. “I’ve loved every minute of the couple days I’ve been here.”
Kennedy said she thinks that with the style of play Skinner will have, she’ll be able to play both midfield and defense. She said she loves her midfield role but also loves her role on defense with Australia, because that’s where the team needs her and she can thrive there.
Kennedy noted the team has always had the personnel to succeed but needed to have more of an identity.
“To know your role and to know what’s expected of you every minute is important and that’s something Marc will bring with his experience and his personality,” she said.
“You don’t really” get used to all the international travel, Kennedy said. But she added that it’s helpful when you have people in place to take care of you, as the Pride have.

Chioma Ubogagu

When asked what kind of Chioma Ubogagu the Pride are getting back, as opposed to the one who left to go play in Australia at the start of the off-season, she replied, “I think just someone who understands even more now the definition of being a professional.”
She said she learned more about recovery, watching film, and working on details while playing in Australia.
Ubogagu said that coming in from overseas, she was expected to be an impact player in the W-League, and that challenged her and she learned how to deal with pressure.
Having three nationalities — English, American, and Nigerian — she said all three are very important to her and she feels connected to all three and they combine equally to make her who she is.
“That experience to put on the England kit and represent the Lionesses is something I’ll never forget,” she said of her time with the England national team.
Ubogagu said she got the call on her birthday that she’d be getting her first call-up to England and it was the best birthday gift ever.
She said her national team coach, Phil Neville, texts the whole team and he told her to train hard this preseason.
Ubogagu said she met with Skinner yesterday. She said he’s very intelligent and noted that he showed her an iPad with screen shots and detailed notes on it.
“I think everyone has been really impressed with training sessions and the detail and energy,” she said “[Skinner is] always saying ‘brains over brawn.’ He wants us to make sophisticated decisions with the ball.”
“I don’t want to label myself a leader because I think I’m learning every day,” she said.
“Last year, if we’re going to be frank [the North Carolina Courage] killed everyone in the league. They scored the most goals. I think they had the fewest goals against. They had this confidence, this swagger on the field that you weren’t going to touch them when you’re on the field,” Ubogagu said. “So I think that’s awesome that one of our first preseason games is going against the defending champions. We’re going to see what we’re about early on in the preseason. It’ll be really cool to see how we adapt and how we come out against a team like that.”
Ubogagu said she wanted to help with the game so she became the players union representative for the Pride. She said her main job was to bring information back to the club so the players had a voice on things like, for example, when the league would break for the World Cup.

Orlando Pride

Orlando Pride vs. San Diego Wave FC: Final Score 2-1 as Pride Win Third Straight

An eventful second half resulted in the Pride extending their win streak to three matches to start the season.

Published

2 days ago

March 29, 2025

Sean Rollins

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

The Orlando Pride (3-0-0, 9 points) won their third straight game to start the 2025 season with a 2-1 win over San Diego Wave FC (1-1-1, 4 points) this afternoon at Inter&Co Stadium. Haley McCutcheon gave the Pride the lead early in the second half before Chiamaka Okwuchukwu equalized in the 62nd minute. Marta netted a penalty in the 76th minute to give her team the win.

The Pride had only one change from the lineup that defeated NJ/NY Gotham FC 2-0 Sunday night. Rafaelle was out injured and replaced by Cori Dyke. Emily Sams moved over to her natural center back position to make room for the second-year right back.

Anna Moorhouse was in goal behind a back line of Kerry Abello, Kylie Nadaner, Sams, and Dyke. Haley McCutcheon and Morgan Gautrat were in the defensive midfield behind Angelina, Marta, and Ally Watt with Barbra Banda up top.

This was a game of two halves. Both teams looked lethargic with the noon kickoff, creating few chances. In fact, only five shots were taken in the first 45 minutes. However, the Pride went on the attack in the second half, scoring inside the first 10 minutes after the break. Add in a little chaos and it was an eventful second 45 minutes.

Pride Head Coach Seb Hines said earlier in the week the Pride needed to start fast and they tried to do so, creating the first chance inside the first minute. McCutcheon found Banda going forward off a throw-in. The striker took a couple of touches inside to create space for a shot, but the attempt traveled wide of the target.

Angelina sent Banda forward in the fourth minute and the striker took her second shot in the early minutes. She dribbled inside again and shot from the top of the box, but Kristen McNabb got in front of the attempt to block it.

The Wave created their first decent chance in the eighth minute when Kenza Dali found Perle Morroni on the far left. The left back sent a cross into the box looking for Adriana Leon, but Abello was there to knock it out of play.

The ensuing corner kick resulted in a pair of shots, first by Leon and then by Delphine Cascarino. However, Watt and Banda got in front of the attempts, ensuring Moorhouse wasn’t challenged by either.

The Pride should’ve had a good chance in the 27th minute when Banda played a cross to the top of the San Diego box. McCutcheon and Angelina both converged on the ball but clearly didn’t speak as they ran into each other, ending the threat.

The Pride won their first corner kick in the 37th minute when Banda’s cross was blocked out of play by McNabb. The ensuing set piece was cleared back out to Angelina, who sent another cross into the box. Banda and Savannah McCaskill collided and the ball fell for Watt. However, the whistle blew as McCaskill went to the ground. Referee Adorae Monroy called the foul on Banda though it didn’t appear there was much in it.

Leon tried to send Maria Sanchez through in the 43rd minute, playing the ball between Dyke and Sams. It initially looked like Sanchez might reach it and get in on goal, but Dyke did well to slide in and win the 50-50 ball.

The Pride had one last chance in the final seconds of the first half when Kennedy Wesley grabbed Banda near the Wave third of the field. Marta’s free kick into the box found the head of Sams, who tried to redirect it on goal, but sent it wide.

After 45 minutes of action, San Diego had the advantage in possession (57%-43%), crosses (8-6), corner kicks (2-1), and passing accuracy (87%-81%). Both teams took three shots and none were on target.

“We are not the team that we showed in the first half. It was the first thing that I told everybody,” Marta said about the first half. “And second, we need to complete our passes because we kill ourselves all the time. When we take the ball back, we give it so fast back to them and there was a little bit suicide for us.”

“First half, it was a little bit flat, a little bit lethargic,” Hines added. “Misplaced some tackles, misplaced some pressing moments, but we were still in the game.”

The Pride made one halftime substitution as Summer Yates came on for Gautrat. The attacking change saw Angelina move into a more defensive role with Yates entering the attacking midfield.

The Pride came out attacking and Yates sent Banda behind the Wave back line in the 48th minute. The striker was free on goal and tried to beat Wave goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan to her near post, but the Canadian international got down to tip it wide.

A minute later, Watt received the ball about 35 yards from goal. After taking a couple of touches forward, the attacker fired. It was an ambitious attempt and on target, but it was straight down the middle, allowing Sheridan to tip it over the top.

Marta’s ensuing corner kick was to the back post, where Banda ran onto it. The ball bounced off Wesley and went straight to McCutcheon. It was an easy finish for the defensive midfielder, who put it in for her second goal of the season.

Despite her position, McCutcheon has now scored in each of her last four home games.

The Pride should’ve had a second in the 53rd minute when Banda played the ball to the penalty spot where Marta was waiting. The captain slipped as she hit the ball, sending it further to the left for Yates. The halftime substitute had a great chance to double her team’s advantage, but sent her shot over the top.

The Wave made a triple substitution in the 60th minute, including Okwuchukwu. The Nigerian immediately made an impact, creating a chance for her team in the 61st minute. Receiving a pass forward from Morroni, Okwuchukwu beat a sliding Sams and found Morroni continuing her run to the top of the box. The left back tried to find a teammate making a run, but the Pride were able to clear.

Seconds later, Dali lifted a cross into the Pride box. Moorhouse hesitated before coming out to meet the ball, allowing Okwuchukwu to get there first. The San Diego forward headed it in, however, Monroy called a foul and awarded a free kick to the Pride.

The referee was soon called to the monitor to have a second look. After a brief review, the goal was given as Okwuchukwu got there first. It was a good decision and the game was even at 1-1.

“I think that sometimes that happens,” Hines said about the goal. “You know, quick throw, delivery, confusion at the back. We’ll review it, we’ll address it, and we’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

The goal was the first conceded by the Pride this season after a pair of clean sheets.

Immediately after the goal, Hines made his second change of the game as Prisca Chilufya came on for Watt.

The Wave had a chance to strike again in the 68th minute when Cascarino played Kimmi Ascanio behind the Pride back line. However, her touch was too heavy, though it went off a Pride defender for a corner. Orlando cleared on the ensuing set piece to escape the danger.

In the 70th minute, Chilufya played the ball wide for Banda who took it into the Wave box. Cascarino challenged the striker from behind, knocking her over. Monroy initially allowed play to continue to see if Chilufya would gain an advantage, but the ball went out of play and the referee pointed to the spot.

Marta stepped up to take the penalty, sending Sheridan the wrong way. However, her penalty was off the inside of the post. It was only the second Marta penalty to be saved or missed since joining the Pride.

“I tried to read which side she would jump,” Marta said about her penalty. “And I read right, but my touch on the ball was so bad. It just hit my ankle and I’ll, I can’t believe, because it was almost perfect. She just jumped to one side and then the ball go to the other side.”

As the Pride tried to build another attack, Monroy stopped play after receiving word from the video assistant referee that Sheridan had come off her line early. Replays showed the goalkeeper was slightly off her line, eerily reminiscent of when Pedro Gallese came off his line against New York City FC in the 2020 MLS Cup playoffs in the same stadium.

“God gave me another chance,” she said about the decision. “He said do better than this one.”

Monroy went to the monitor to make sure the penalty had to be retaken and pointed to the spot for a second time. Marta stepped up again and, as Sheridan dove to her right, the Brazilian sent a panenka towards goal. The ball bounced off the bottom of the crossbar and in to give the Pride a 2-1 lead.

“I was a little bit confused if I go to the right or the left,” Marta said about her second attempt. “So when you are confused, you put it like that, that I did. Just chip in the middle and then expect for the best.”

The players headed to the sidelines in the 76th minute for a hydration break and Hines took the opportunity to make his third substitution. Ally Lemos came into the game for Angelina.

In the 88th minute, Okwuchukwu lifted the ball over Sams and sent Kyra Carusa behind the Pride back line. It looked like the attacker was free on goal but Abello came flying in from behind and took the ball off of her foot. It likely would’ve been either a goal or red card if Abello got it wrong, but the challenge was successful and the Pride kept their 2-1 lead.

what an absolutely clutch recovery by @AbelloKerry 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/bsjITtJCpb
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) March 29, 2025

As the fourth official showed eight minutes of second-half stoppage time, Hines made two final changes. Zara Chavoshi and Bri Martinez came into the game for Dyke and Banda.

The Pride controlled possession in stoppage time, seeing out the game. San Diego had more possession (55.6%-44.4%) and better passing accuracy (85.5%-80.1%). However, the Pride had more shots (9-5), shots on target (4-1), and crosses (10-9). Both teams won three corner kicks.

“San Diego are a very good team, very good organized ball possession. I thought we did really well at times. But, you know, they were able to pick us off, but not really create too many opportunities,” Hines said. “So our attitude and the desire to get behind the ball once they did get through our initial press is something that we take a lot of pride in. But goals change games, and to get the first goal was brilliant. Another set piece goal that we worked very, very hard on. Obviously, they get themselves back into the game, which obviously we don’t want to happen, and then show our character again to come back.”

Orlando is off to a blazing start to the 2025 NWSL season. The Pride had never won their first game of the season, but they’ve now won three straight. They’ve outscored their opponents in those games 10-1, placing them atop the NWSL standings.

The Pride are off next weekend for the international break. They’ll return to action on April 12 when they travel west to take on Seattle Reign FC.

Orlando Pride

Orlando Pride vs. San Diego Wave FC: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More

The Pride return home to face San Diego Wave FC, looking for their third-straight win to start the season.

Published

2 days ago

March 29, 2025

Sean Rollins

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to your match thread as the Orlando Pride (2-0-0, 6 points) return home to face San Diego Wave FC (1-0-1, 4 points). This is the first of two games these teams will play this season. The return game in San Diego is scheduled for Sept. 26.

Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s game.

History

The San Diego Wave joined the NWSL in 2022 and have only faced the Pride six times in their existence. The Pride have only lost once in those games, posting a record of 3-1-2 overall and 1-1-1 at home.

The most recent meeting was on June 7, 2024 in San Diego. Julie Doyle gave the Pride the lead in the 36th minute before a second-half equalizer by Makenzy Doniak resulted in a 1-1 draw. On April 19 in Orlando, Summer Yates scored the game’s lone goal in the first half, lifting the Pride to a 1-0 win. It was the Pride’s first home win in the series.

The first meeting in 2023 was at Snapdragon Stadium on April 29 after the Pride’s 0-4-0 start to the season. It looked like it would be a fifth straight loss when Jaedyn Shaw gave the hosts the early lead. But Adriana assisted Mikayla Cluff on the equalizer and Haley McCutcheon scored just before halftime to give the Pride the lead. Adriana scored her first goal of the season in the 69th minute to put the game away as the Pride won 3-1.

On Aug. 25 in Orlando, the Pride got off to a horrible start when San Diego center back Abby Dahlkemper scored in the seventh minute for her first goal since 2016. Marta set up Adriana just before halftime for an equalizer, but Kyra Carusa netted the late winner in a 2-1 San Diego win.

The first-ever meeting was on Aug. 13, 2022 in San Diego. The lone goal in the game came from the penalty spot after a Julie Doyle cross hit the arm of Kaleigh Riehl in the first half. Meggie Dougherty Howard stepped up and buried the penalty. The Pride held on for 67 minutes to beat one of the top teams in the league, 1-0 away.

The second meeting was on Sept. 25 in Orlando and the Pride got off to a great start. Doughety Howard opened the scoring in the first half and Gunny Jonsdottir doubled the advantage in the second. It looked like the Pride were headed for six points out of six against the expansion side, but San Diego came storming back. Doniak cut the lead in half and former Pride attacker Taylor Kornieck equalized late, resulting in a disappointing 2-2 draw.

Overview

The Pride have gotten the NWSL regular season off to a flying start. After drawing 1-1 and falling on penalties to the Washington Spirit in the Challenge Cup, they thrashed the Chicago Stars 6-0 and defeated NJ/NY Gotham FC 2-0 Sunday evening. It’s the first time in club history the Pride have recorded back-to-back shutouts (or wins) to start a season.

As you might expect, Barbra Banda has been a problem for opponents so far this season. She netted a brace in the season opener and created issues for Gotham, even though she didn’t get on the scoresheet.

Unfortunately, the Pride lost another key player with center back Rafaelle listed as out for this game. The Brazilian only played 45 minutes against Washington and moved up to 62 minutes against Chicago. It was expected she would play even more against Gotham, but her time was scaled back to 45 minutes again due to injury.

In all three games, the Pride went back to the back line that was the best in the league last year. Emily Sams moved over the center back alongside Kylie Nadaner and Cori Dyke came in at right back. You can expect that back line to start today.

Another issue is the knee injury to Doyle, suffered in the win over Chicago. While Ally Watt had already taken her spot in the attacking midfield, Doyle was a key substitute. However, her absence leaves a substitution spot open for Prisca Chilufya, who we’ve heard a lot about but have yet to see play much with the Pride.

Today, the Pride look to make it three wins out of three as they welcome the Wave to the City Beautiful. The Wave had to figure out what to do when their leading striker, Alex Morgan, retired during last season. They traded for Mexican international Maria Sanchez last year and made a possibly bigger move this off-season by acquiring Canadian international Adriana Leon.

Both Sanchez and Leon have gotten on the scoresheet this season, but they’ve been topped by 22-year-old Tacoma, WA native Gia Corley. The young attacker joined the Wave from German club TSG Hoffenheim this off-season and has quickly made a name for herself in Southern California.

While the Wave have plenty of attacking threats, they’ve yet to scare anyone. They drew 1-1 in their season opener against Angel City FC and won 3-2 in their home opener against the Utah Royals. With the Wave traveling across the country and playing a noon kickoff, the Pride are expected to handle today’s opposition.

“We’re at home. We want to set the tone early,” Pride Head Coach Seb Hines said about today’s game. “I know San Diego have had a lot of goals early on in games. We have to negate that with our defensive responsibilities and our pressing triggers, but also play our game, which is ball possession, trying to create opportunities to score, and so it leads us to an exciting game on Saturday.”

The Pride will play this game without Simone Charley (ankle), Luana (illness), Amanda Allen (shoulder), Aryssa Mahrt (knee), Doyle (knee), and Rafaelle (thigh).

Meanwhile, the Wave are only missing Hillary Beall (thigh) and Trinity Byars (knee).

Official Lineups

Orlando Pride (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Anna Moorhouse.

Defenders: Kerry Abello, Kylie Nadaner, Emily Sams, Cori Dyke.

Defensive Midfielders: Haley McCutcheon, Morgan Gautrat.

Midfielders: Angelina, Marta, Ally Watt.

Forward: Barbra Banda.

Bench: McKinley Crone, Carson Pickett, Summer Yates, Bri Martinez, Zara Chavoshi, Ally Lemos, Viviana Villacorta, Grace Chanda, Prisca Chilufya.

San Diego Wave FC (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Kailen Sheridan.

Defenders: Perle Morroni, Kristen McNabb, Kennedy Wesley, Hanna Lundkvist.

Midfielders: Kenza Dali, Maria Sanchez, Savannah McCaskill.

Forwards: Gia Corley, Adriana Leon, Delphine Cascarino.

Bench: Trinity Armstrong, Kimmi Ascanio, Melanie Barcenas, Kyra Carusa, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Favour Emmanuel, DiDi Haracic, Quincy McMahon, Makenzy Robbe.

Referees

REF: Adorae Monroy.
AR1: Joe Suchoski.
AR2: Jeremy Smith.
4TH: Kyle Cividanes.
VAR: Corbyn May.
AVAR: Maggie Short.

How to Watch

Match Time: 12 p.m.

Venue: Inter&Co Stadium — Orlando.

TV: ESPN.

Streaming: ESPN+.

Social Media: For live updates and rapid reaction, follow @themaneland.bsky.social on Bluesky and the Orlando Pride’s official Twitter feed (@ORLPride).

Enjoy the game. Go Pride!

Orlando Pride

Orlando Pride vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC: Final Score 2-0 As Pride Take Three Points Away From Home

The Pride stayed unbeaten with a road shutout win over Gotham.

Published

1 week ago

March 23, 2025

Sean Rollins

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

The Orlando Pride (2-0-0, 6 points) continued their strong start to the NWSL regular season with a 2-0 win over NJ/NY Gotham FC (0-1-1, 1 point) at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, NJ. The Pride took an early lead through a Lilly Reale own goal and doubled the advantage just before halftime with a Marta penalty. That was all the Pride needed to claim all three points.

Pride Head Coach Seb Hines deployed the same starting lineup as the Challenge Cup draw and season-opening win. Anna Moorhouse started in goal behind a back line of Kerry Abello, Rafaelle, Kylie Nadaner, and Emily Sams. Morgan Gautrat and Haley McCutcheon were the defensive midfielders behind Angelina, Marta, and Ally Watt with Barbra Banda up top.

While Gotham dominated most of the statistical categories, the Pride were never in any real danger. The visitors created few chances throughout the game, but the back line did a solid job with their bend-but-not-break strategy. As a result, Moorhouse had few saves to make and the Pride held onto their 2-0 halftime lead throughout the second half.

The Pride got off to the best possible start when they won a foul near the top of the Gotham box inside the first minute. Marta’s free kick was flicked on by Banda and heading towards the back post. Before it could reach McCutcheon, Reale knocked the ball past Ann-Katrin Berger and into her own net.

An unfortunate own goal gives Orlando the lead 👀 pic.twitter.com/RlTxxR2JRa
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 23, 2025

The goal was followed by a lengthy review to determine if McCutcheon — who was in an offside position — was involved in play or if Nadaner committed a foul in the buildup. The decision was for the goal to stand and the Pride took an early 1-0 lead.

“We talk about it all the time. Can we get that first goal in the game? So we always want to start fast whether we’re at home or away,” Hines said. “Regardless of the opponent we’re playing against, that first goal is really important to us. And to get it within one minute of the game was really rewarding.”

It was the second own goal in two league games for the Pride. Chicago Stars center back Hannah Anderson netted an own goal early in the second half in the season opener on March 14.

The Pride nearly scored a second goal in the 14th minute when Marta lifted the ball forward and into the Gotham half for Banda making a run. The striker took possession behind the back line and dribbled into the Gotham box but took a heavy touch and was unable to keep it on her foot. Berger came off her line and the two collided, resulting in a foul on Banda.

Following the missed chance by Banda, Gotham got its first decent look of the game. In the 20th minute, Ella Stevens tried to volley a cross into the box but barely got a touch on it. A minute later, Jaelin Howell took control of a clearance and sent a long-distance shot well over the target.

In the 26th minute, Marta intercepted the ball near midfield, going the other way with Banda. Playing it forward for the striker, Banda played the ball to Marta in the Gotham box. It looked like Marta’s shot was on target, but Berger did well to get down to block it with one hand. The ensuing corner kick by Angelina was cleared away and it was another missed opportunity for the visitors.

A poor pass from Tierna Davidson to Berger in the 30th minute nearly resulted in a chance for the Pride. As Banda pressured the Gotham goalkeeper, she played a short pass to the top of her own box that was intercepted by Watt. The attacker dribbled towards the end line and tapped it to Banda before it crossed out of play. However, the flag went up for offside.

Gotham had a good chance in the 31st minute when Stevens sent Esther Gonzaelz into the Pride six-yard box. Rafaelle did well to keep up with the attacker and got a touch to the shot, causing it to travel wide.

SOOOOOO close by Esther González 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/2WVdvtbM05
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 23, 2025

The ensuing corner kick was short to Sarah Schupansky, who sent a dangerous cross into the box. Looking to make up for her early own goal, Reale got her head to the ball and directed it towards the far post. Fortunately, the attempt went wide.

The Pride doubled their advantage just before halftime when Gautrat found Banda near midfield and the striker made a long run into the Gotham third of the field. Angelina was left alone on the far side and Banda found her teammate. As Angelina took a touch inside, Jess Carter left her leg out, catching the Brazilian. Referee Brad Jensen immediately pointed to the spot, awarding the Pride a penalty.

Angelina initially stood with the ball at the penalty spot as the video assistant referee looked at the play. Following confirmation, Marta stepped up to take the spot kick. The Pride captain took the penalty confidently, sending Berger the wrong way and giving her team a commanding 2-0 lead.

No nerves, just net.

Marta hits it home! 💫 pic.twitter.com/EkCOnVMMHo
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 23, 2025

Despite the two-goal deficit, Gotham had more possession (54%-46%) and shots (7-3) in the first half. However, the Pride put all three shots on target while Gotham only put one of its seven first-half shots on frame. Additionally, both teams had one corner kick and three crosses, and the Pride had slightly better passing accuracy (79%-78%).

Hines made one halftime change, and it was a surprising one as Cori Dyke came into the game for Rafaelle. It wasn’t a surprise to see Rafaelle depart before full time as she returns to full fitness. However, she played 45 minutes against Washington and 62 minutes against Chicago. So it was a surprise to see her come off at halftime.

“It’s disappointing for Raf because she was building good momentum, getting good minutes,” Hines said about the substitution. “It’s just caution. We don’t want to have any sort of setbacks either. So we’re not taking any risks with her.”

The substitution caused a shift in the back line. Dyke took over at right back and Sams moved over to her natural center back position alongside Nadaner. It’s the same change Hines made in the team’s first two games of 2025.

The Pride started the second half how they finished the first, going on the attack. Just over a minute after the restart, Marta sent Banda behind the Gotham back line. The striker dribbled to the top of the box and near the middle before firing a shot that forced Berger into a good save. However, the flag went up for offside on the initial pass, so it was not an official shot or save.

WHAT A STOP BY ANN-KATRIN BERGER but it's ruled offside 🚫 pic.twitter.com/lRtapH6Q1U
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 23, 2025

Trailing 2-0, Gotham was the better of the two teams for the next 15 minutes. However, the hosts only created two shots in that time and neither caused any trouble for Moorhouse.

A giveaway by Dyke in the back in the 59th minute created a chance for Gotham when a fancy pass by Schupansky found Taryn Torres. However, the midfielder didn’t get much on the shot from just outside the box.

Hines made his second change in the 61st minute as Prisca Chilufya came into the game for Gautrat.

Shortly after the substitution, Gotham created its best chance when Gabi Portilho sent a beautiful ball into the box that found the head of Jaelin Howell. The attacker redirected the ball towards goal, but the attempt was over the crossbar.

In the 66th minute, Banda beat Gonzalez and was taken down just outside the Gotham box. Angelina’s free kick was cleared, but the Pride soon retook possession. Angelina found Marta, whose shot was blocked. Banda and Chilufya worked the ball around to Watt who shot from the left of goal, but the attempt was into the arms of Berger, ending the attack.

Hines made two more changes in the 79th minute. Summer Yates and Ally Lemos entered the game for Watt and Marta.

Immediately after the changes, Bruninha sent a cross into the box that found the head of Khyah Harper, who was playing in her first NWSL game. The rookie’s header was on target, but Moorhouse made an easy catch.

Gotham had a chance in the 84th minute when Yates blocked a cross out of play for a corner kick. Bruninha’s set piece found the head of Davidson, who outjumped McCutcheon. However, the center back was falling backwards and sent the attempt over the top.

The final Pride substitution came in the 88th minute when Zara Chavoshi came on for Angelina. It was the rookie’s professional debut.

“She played a lot of minutes during preseason, and obviously the league is very different. It’s higher risk, bigger rewards, and a lot more competitive,” Hines said about Chavoshi’s debut. “So just buying that time, finding the right moment to put her in. We felt today was a good time to put her in towards the end as Gotham were delivering more balls into the box, playing a little bit more direct.”

Gotham created a shot in the third minute of stoppage time as the hosts looked to get back into the game. Stevens sent a ball into the box that Gonzalez tried to bicycle, but missed. It went straight to Cece Kizer, who played the ball wide for an oncoming Reale. The defender took a first-touch shot from a tight angle, but it was right to Moorhouse.

At full time, Gotham had the advantage in possession (60%-40%), shots (15-6), corner kicks (6-2), crosses (20-9), and passing accuracy (79%-75%). However, despite the shot differential, both teams put four attempts on target as the Pride came away with the 2-0 win.

“It was a great game. We started off really well, obviously taking an early lead,” Hines said. “I thought we played some really good stuff. Not consistently, but I think there was some really good moments. And we created some really good opportunities to score. Maybe on another day, we capitalize on them. But I think toward the end, it really shows what type of team this is. Coming to a hostile environment, coming to Gotham’s home opener. This is a very good team who narrowly missed out on the playoff final last year, and we showed our character towards the end, making sure that we keep the clean sheet. It’s very easy as the game goes on, and them pushing forward, to lose concentration. But I thought we were phenomenal towards the end to get the shutout. So again, really pleased, couple of goals, another clean sheet, and we continue our momentum.”

“I was definitely relieved that we saw in the game and got the three points and kept our clean sheet,” Abello added. “It probably wasn’t our best, cleanest performance. I thought we were really threatening, but we were definitely under it towards the end of the game. But I was really proud that we saw out the win and got three points.”

The Pride set a bunch of team records last season and they’ve already set a new one. This is the first time the team has had back-to-back clean sheets to start a season.

“It’s been a real focal point of our game model, you would say. We don’t want to concede, it hurts when we concede, and you can see that with the attitude of the players,” Hines said. “It’s not just one or two players. It’s a full collective effort to keep the ball out of the net. You know, you can see the efforts from every single player, not just the stars, but the players coming off the bench. And having their roles and responsibilities to keep the ball out of the net.”

“We said it all last season, everyone knows the job that they have to do, and everyone’s very comfortable in doing that job. Makes my life incredibly easy,” Moorhouse added. “The back line are incredible at keeping chances to a minimum, and keep threatening chances to a minimum. And it’s really, really enjoyable to be involved.”

While it’s still early in the season, the Pride sit on top the NWSL standings with every team having played two games. They’re tied on points with the Kansas City Current, but have a four-goal advantage in the goal differential tiebreaker, largely thanks to their 6-0 win over the Chicago Stars in the first game.

The Pride return home next weekend for an afternoon tilt as they welcome San Diego Wave FC to Inter&Co Stadium for a rare noon kickoff.