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2019 Orlando Pride Season in Review: Kristen Edmonds

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4 years ago

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Kristen Edmonds became a member of the inaugural Orlando Pride squad back in December of 2015, when she and Becky Edwards came over from the New York Flash in exchange for a couple of draft picks. Those selections turned out to be Makenzy Doniak and Ashley Hatch for the Flash/North Carolina Courage. Edwards retired after the 2016 season and then came right back out of retirement to play in Sweden. Meanwhile, Edmonds is still plying her trade in Orlando with the Pride.

How did the OG Pride player do?

Statistical Breakdown

Edmonds appeared in 13 games in 2019, starting nine and playing 866 minutes. She started the season as a substitute for the first three matches but then dealt with injuries and struggled to get back on the field. However, by the end of the season she was a mainstay in the lineup, starting in all of the final nine matches of the season. Edmonds provided no goals or assists in 2019, playing mainly as a fullback, attempting only three shots and not getting any of them on target. However, she was the team’s best back line passer, connecting on 77.9% of her pass attempts.

Edmonds’ 60.3% duel-winning rate also led Orlando’s back line players. She finished with 19 clearances, a paltry 29.4% tackle rate, and was offside twice. She conceded six fouls while winning 11, and received two yellow cards on the year.

Best Game

It’s difficult to pinpoint Edmonds’ best game, as she performed more or less consistently and there are not goals or assists to differentiate one match from another. However, I’ll go with her game on Aug. 21 in a 2-1 win at the Chicago Red Stars. It wasn’t so much an individual standout performance from Edmonds, but she worked cohesively with her teammates to help shut down the Red Stars’ attack and capture what turned out to be the team’s final victory of the 2019 season. She started at left back and played the full 90 minutes, passing at an 81% rate and drawing one free kick. It was nearly a complete game for the Pride but Tierna Davidson ruined a 2-0 shutout in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

2019 Final Grade

Edmonds received a composite rating of 5 for the season from The Mane Land staff. Everyone had her at either a 4.5 or a 5 for the year, making for a fairly even view of her fourth season with the club. After receiving a 6 in 2017 and the same grade in 2018 it is likely the team’s performance affected Edmonds’ final marks as it was difficult for anyone to stand out on a last-place team that shipped the league’s most goals, particularly on the back line.

2020 Outlook

I wouldn’t rule out a return for Edmonds in 2020, as she’s versatile enough to fill in at multiple positions. However, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Pride part ways with a player who will turn 33 in May. Edmonds seems to be willing to slot in wherever needed and certainly displays enthusiasm and desire on the pitch. But at times she’s struggled to find a consistent position, playing at fullback, in the midfield, and on the wing in her time in Orlando. The Pride could use upgrades at fullback and I’m not sure Edmonds would be kept around to play midfield, but she was offered a new contract. That doesn’t guarantee she’ll be back in purple in 2020 but I’d say there’s a decent shot she’s back.

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