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Orlando Pride vs. Racing Louisville FC: Final Score 2-2 as Late Set Piece Turns Win Into Draw

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4 years ago

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The Orlando Pride have never come from behind to win a match in the Marc Skinner era. For a mere five minutes, it looked like that would change after Abi Kim scored in the 88th minute. But Brooke Hendrix found the equalizer in stoppage time, and the Pride tied Racing Louisville FC, 2-2. Taylor Kornieck and Kim both scored their first NWSL goals, and Meggie Dougherty Howard earned two assists in her first game with the Pride.

“We’ll take a result,” Skinner said after the match. “We always knew we were going to fight against the crowd as well as the team that we’re going to play against. It will just increase and get better as we go throughout the games. It’s risky because it’s so early.

“I’m really pleased with how the players came from behind showed resilience that we’re trying to work on them for. You know, we’re disappointed to give a goal at the end but take nothing away from Louisville, and the event tonight was a good experience for everyone.”

There were few surprises in Skinner’s starting XI. Ashlyn Harris started in net. In front of her were Phoebe McClernon and Konya Plummer in central defense, with Ali Krieger at right back and Ali Riley on the left. Dougherty Howard slotted in at center defensive midfield with Jade Moore. Marisa Viggiano, Kornieck, and Marta played above them, with Sydney Leroux as the lone striker. Viggiano, Kornieck, and Marta rotated positions throughout the game.

It was back-and-forth action to start the match. Each team had a few chances. Just two minutes in, Leroux fired a shot just over the bar in the first good look for either team. In the fourth minute, Louisville probably should’ve gone ahead, but Harris got the better of Yuki Nagasato from close range.

The breakthrough came in the 12th minute. A wonderful through ball from Emily Fox saw Cece Kizer all alone. She then did well to slot the ball behind Harris for the home side’s first-ever goal. After the goal, Harris talked to her defenders, presumably about giving the Louisville forwards too much space.

Leroux had a call for a penalty kick in the 42nd minute. She was running towards goal with Brooke Hendrix fighting to defend. The two players used their bodies to get to the ball. The attack ended with them both on the ground. It’s hard to tell if there was any foul there, but Leroux clearly was not happy with the no-call.

The Pride tied things up two minutes after that. Viggiano did well to steal the ball from Fox in the right corner, then found Dougherty Howard at the corner of the box. Dougherty Howard sent in a great cross, and Kornieck powered the header off the right post and in for the equalizer.

“It just felt so amazing,” said Kornieck. “Me and Meggie have an insane connection. She just put a ball up, right in the perfect place for me, and it just felt so incredible to finally get the first goal, break the ice, and it’s just a surreal moment for me.”

That goal was created by two Pride debutants. Dougherty Howard got her first assist with Orlando, while Kornieck scored her first NWSL goal.

Kornieck was the most threatening player for Orlando. She used her physical stature well but was also impressive with her feet. She started a few half-chances and was a focal point to the Pride in the midfield. Defensively she did well to fight to win the ball back.

“I think [Kornieck] was great,” said Skinner. “I think one of the things we’re gonna have to balance is that that some of these stronger challenges where it’s body to body, she’s going to be given fouls against. When really it’s just her strength and inner ability to do that. I thought she was excellent in terms of being some of the right places the right times. There are things that she’s going to have to keep continuing to work on. And she’s only going to get that through experience, but what she did show for the goal was just the quality we know she has. She’s literally undefendable at times when you have that ability, and that timing and that quality. So there’s a lot more to come from Taylor.”

The story of the first half for the Pride was sloppiness in possession. The team struggled to link passes together. They had a decent amount of possession (52%), but the medium-length passes’ accuracy was off. The long passes rarely connected. Louisville threw players forward on the counter, which caused issues for the Pride defense.

Both teams had four shots, but the home side put more on target (2-1). The passing accuracy was similar as well (68%-67% in favor of Louisville). Orlando was likely the happier side to come out of the half tied. Louisville was the better team, and the Pride was on the defensive end much, particularly in the opening 15 minutes. The Pride had 13 clearances, 11 tackles won, and 29 duels won.

The Pride came out of halftime much better. They controlled the ball well and gave up fewer transitional moments. After they lost the ball, Orlando fought to quickly win it back. Plummer and McClernon, who both struggled at times in the first half, made a few key interceptions and settled into the game after the break.

“I’m really proud of them,” Skinner said about his central defense. “First and foremost of all the back line, they’re going to make mistakes as part of all of the growth for tomorrow and not just the here and now. It’s in between birthing players that will give this club longevity over a period of time. They’re young, they will be exposed to decision-making things that they’ve got to draw on the experience of tonight. But their energy commitment to the whole of what we’re asking them to do is excellent.”

The Pride came into injury worries in the second half. Jade Moore picked up an injury in the 63rd minute. There were no replays of what happened, but she was able to jog off the field. Erika Tymrak came on for Moore, making her Pride debut. She moved into the right midfield, and Viggiano dropped to defensive midfield.

Just a few minutes later, Kornieck went down with a leg injury. She was able to stay in the game but was visibly hurting. Orlando had its first corner in the 76th minute. Leroux sent a ball into the box. Kornieck just missed it, but the ball fell to Marta at the top of the box. Marta took a touch. On her touch, Louisville was able to reset and get in a position to defend, blocking her shot and ending the threat. Kornieck made way for Kim after that play.

Jorian Baucom committed a bad foul in the 83rd minute, coming in hard on Riley. The foul earned Baucom a yellow card, and Riley stayed down for a few minutes afterward. Luckily, she was able to stay in the game as the tackle was borderline red.

“I mean it was really scary,” Riley said of the tackle. “I think as a defender, like those moments when you’re really vulnerable and when you clear a ball and someone comes up studs up straight into your leg — that can end your career. So obviously I was really scared. But I just wish the refs would take responsibility. At least say ‘I didn’t see it,’ or something like (that). I know she got the card but don’t say that she stepped on my foot, and then not look at my leg where I have a full cleat on my shin. So that’s just frustrating. Everyone makes mistakes and refs get it wrong, but at least acknowledge that you didn’t see what happened.”

The game seemed destined for a draw, but Kim put on some magic in the 88th minute. Dougherty Howard played a fantastic through ball out wide. Kim made the run into space and put in a perfect shot over Betos. That was Kim’s first NWSL goal.

Louisville was not done yet. Off a free kick, the Pride were unable to clear it. The ball ended up falling right to an unmarked Hendrix inside the box. Hendrix had little trouble finishing it to tie it back up at 2-2.

The Pride out-shot Louisville, 11-8, but struggled to get shots on target (2). Possession was a perfect 50/50 split, and Louisville was slightly better in passing accuracy (71%-69%). Defensively, the Pride dominated the stat sheet and held more duels won (57-41), tackles (22-8), and clearances (19-11).

The Pride have a quick turnaround and are back in action on Wednesday. Orlando hosts Gotham FC on April 14 at 7 p.m.

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

The Pride look to bounce back from their first loss of the season as they welcome Angel City FC to Orlando.

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2 hours ago

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April 25, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to your match thread as the Orlando Pride (4-1-0, 12 points) look to bounce back from their first loss of the year tonight when they face Angel City FC (2-1-2, 8 points). This is the first of two games the teams will play this year, with the return game in Los Angeles scheduled for Aug. 21.

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

History

Angel City was one of the NWSL’s two expansion teams entering the league in 2022. As a result, the Pride have only played tonight’s opponents six times. The Pride are 3-1-2 in the six games, all in NWSL regular-season play and the home team has never won. The Pride are 0-1-2 against Angel City at Inter&Co Stadium.

The most recent matchup between these two teams took place on June 30, 2024 in Los Angeles. Adriana gave the Pride the lead in the 20th minute and scored a second goal in the 26th minute. Barbra Banda netted a goal of her own six minutes into stoppage time, leading the Pride to a dominating 3-0 win. On March 22, 2024, in Orlando, former Pride attacker Claire Emslie gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot, and it looked as though the Pride would drop their first game of the season. But Marta volleyed home an equalizer from an Angelina corner kick late, pulling out a 1-1 draw.

The first meeting of the 2023 season was on April 2 in Orlando. Emily Sams took down Alyssa Thompson in the first half, giving the visitors a penalty. Emslie stepped up and converted to give her team a 1-0 lead. Messiah Bright responded just after halftime to make it 1-1, and the game appeared to be heading for a draw. But Katie Johnson scored the winner in the 10th minute of second-half injury time. On Oct. 2, 2023 in Los Angeles, an Adriana volley beat Angel City goalkeeper Angelina Anderson to her near post for the only goal as the Pride won a crucial late-season game.

The first-ever game between the teams took place on May 8, 2022 in Los Angeles. In the third minute, Gunny Jonsdottir’s cross was tipped by Angel City goalkeeper DiDi Haracic, but it went right to Sydney Leroux. The Pride striker fired right at Morgan Reid standing in front of goal. The ball bounced off the defender and went in to give the Pride an early lead. The hosts controlled the final hour, but the Pride held on for 87 minutes to claim their first win of the season.

The teams met again on Aug. 7 in Orlando. Then-Pride defender Ali Riley opened the scoring with a wonderful strike from the left side. The Pride responded in the second half through Julie Doyle, three minutes after she entered the game, to even it at 1-1. The visitors took another lead when Cari Roccaro beat Viviana Villacorta to a corner kick, putting it past Erin McLeod. The Pride equalized for a second time in the 90th minute when Doyle and Paige Nielsen raced for a Thais Reiss cross, with the defender reaching it first. But Nielsen’s attempted clearance went into her own net, allowing the Pride to claim a 2-2 draw and extend their unbeaten run to five games.

Overview

After drawing the Washington Spirit in the Challenge Cup and falling on penalties, the Pride got the season off to a roaring start. They thrashed the Chicago Stars 6-0 in the season opener and followed that with wins over NJ/NY Gotham FC, San Diego Wave FC, and Seattle Reign FC. It looked like it would be another long unbeaten streak like last year until Saturday evening.

The Pride dominated the Spirit in their return to Orlando, but finishing doomed the hosts. The Pride held 60% possession and outshot the Spirit 20-9. However, only six of their shots were on target. In the 63rd minute, Anna Moorhouse made one of her typical gaffes, giving the ball to Gift Monday on her own goal line and allowing the Nigerian to tap it in. That was the only goal as the Pride fell 1-0 for their first home loss since 2023.

Despite the loss, the Pride are still off to a great start this year. They currently sit second in the league, three points behind the Kansas City Current, and have the second-best goal difference behind the same team.

The Pride have been very strong defensively with a back line of Kerry Abello, Kylie Nadaner, Sams, and Cori Dyke. Oihane started the last game and played well but was taken off at halftime Saturday after suffering an injury. Other than Moorhouse’s mistake, there isn’t much to complain about when it comes to the team defensively.

While the Pride have scored the second-most goals in the league with 11, that’s largely because of their six-goal output on March 14. They scored two in each of the following two games, one against Seattle, and were held goalless Saturday for the first time this season. Seven of the team’s goals have been scored by Banda (3), Haley McCutcheon (2), and Marta (2). Ally Watt and Julie Doyle both scored in the opener, and the Pride benefited from an opposing own goal in each of the first two games.

Angel City currently sits in sixth place with eight points from the team’s first five games. Tonight’s visitors have netted seven goals and conceded eight for a negative-one goal difference.

The team is led offensively by U.S. international Alyssa Thompson, who has three goals and an assist in four games. Riley Tiernan joined the club this season and the rookie has been a solid signing, adding two goals and an assist in five appearances. The other two goals have come from Macey Hodge and Kennedy Fuller, scoring one each.

Despite giving up eight goals, Angel City has been quite fortunate defensively on the injury front. The club had the same defensive unit in its first four games before moving right back Gisele Thompson forward to take her sister Alyssa’s spot in the attack.

Angel City is coming off a tough match Friday night, falling 4-0 to Gotham FC at home. Flying across the country for a Friday night game, this seems like a good opportunity for the sputtering Pride attack to get back into form.

“I think LA are a new team. New to different philosophies, different styles of play,” Pride Head Coach Seb Hines said about tonight’s game. “Obviously have a lot of young players and brought in some new players, so it’ll be an interesting matchup. Again, we want to get back to winning ways. Obviously, we’re disappointed after the last result, and there’s no better way to do that than this Friday against Angel City.”

There’s no change to the Pride availability report tonight. They remain without Simone Charley (ankle), Luana (illness), Amanda Allen (shoulder), Aryssa Mahrt (knee), Julie Doyle (knee), Rafaelle (thigh), and Summer Yates (ankle).

Angel City will be without Jun Endo (knee), Macey Hodge (upper leg), Sydney Leroux (excused absence), and Ali Riley (upper leg).

Projected 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.

Attacking Midfielders: Angelina, Marta, Ally Watt.

Forward: Barbra Banda.

Angel City FC (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Angelina Anderson.

Defenders: M.A. Vignola, Savvy King, Sarah Gorden, Gisele Thompson.

Defensive Midfielders: Alanna Kennedy, Katie Zelem.

Attacking Midfielders: Alyssa Thompson, Kennedy Fuller, Claire Emslie.

Forward: Riley Tiernan.

Referees

REF: Matt Thompson.
AR1: Tom Felice.
AR2: Stephen Milhoan.
4TH: Russell Miller.
VAR: Alexandra Billeter.
AVAR: Matthew Seem.

How to Watch

Match Time: 8 p.m.

Venue: Inter&Co Stadium — Orlando.

TV: None.

Streaming: Prime Video.

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!

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Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit: Final Score 1-0 As Pride Drop Points For First Time in 2025

A goalkeeping error and poor finishing were costly as the Pride fell at home to the Washington Spirit.

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6 days ago

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April 19, 2025

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

The Orlando Pride (4-1-0, 12 points) dropped points for the first time this season, falling 1-0 to the Washington Spirit (4-1-0, 12 points) at Inter&Co Stadium. Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse gave the ball to Gift Monday right in front of her own goal in the 63rd minute, resulting in the game’s only goal and it could hardly have been easier for the visitors to produce the winning goal.

Pride Head Coach Seb Hines made three changes to the team that beat Seattle Reign FC 1-0 on April 12. Morgan Gautrat, Angelina, and Oihane entered the lineup for Ally Lemos, Summer Yates, and Cori Dyke.

The back line in front of Moorhouse in goal was Kerry Abello, Kylie Nadaner, Emily Sams, and Oihane. Haley McCutcheon and Gautrat were the defensive midfielders behind Angelina, Marta, and Ally Watt, with Barbra Banda up top.

The Pride dominated the majority of the game. They created nearly all of the chances and should’ve taken the lead on multiple occasions. Meanwhile, the Spirit didn’t get their first chance on target until the 62nd minute. That attempt and the goal a minute later were the only two chances the Spirit put on frame all game. The mistake by Moorhouse and lack of finishing ended up being the difference as the Pride stumbled for the first time this season.

The Pride got the first chance of the game in the fourth minute when Oihane played Banda down the right. The striker got behind the Spirit back line and played the ball into the box where Angelina was running on. The Brazilian tried to get on the end of the pass, but it was just beyond her reach.

Banda dribbled into the box from the right in the ninth minute and, after beating Tara McKeown, met Narumi Miura. The midfielder made contact with the striker and the Pride players appealed for a penalty, but the referee signaled for a goal kick.

Gautrat blocked a clearance attempt in the 20th minute. The ball went straight to Banda, who was in on goal from the right. The striker’s shot for the near post, but it was right into the arms of Kingsbury.

Two minutes later, Abello received a long pass on the left side of the field. Nobody stepped up to the left back, so she carried the ball towards the top of the box. She was aiming for the far post, but Kingsbury did well to dive to her left and touch it wide.

The Pride were unable to create anything from the ensuing corner and Washington cleared the danger.

In the 26th minute, Angelina and Abello played a give-and-go, sending Angelina towards the end line. The left-sided midfielder sent a cross into the six-yard box for Banda, but it was just behind her. Watt reached the free ball and played it back to Gautrat at the top of the box, but her shot was blocked.

The Pride dominated the first half hour, making it difficult for the Spirit to get any possession in the final third. In the 30th minute, McKeown sent a cross towards the back side of the six where Esme Morgan was waiting. The defender tried to volley a shot towards goal but couldn’t get over the ball.

The Pride gave away the ensuing goal kick, creating another chance for the Spirit. This time, Ashley Hatch had a chance. The league’s top goal scorer tried to guide the ball past Moorhouse and into the top corner but sent it just high and wide.

On the other end, a long ball forward was misplayed, allowing Banda to get behind the Spirit back line. The striker dribbled in from the right and shot, but the attempt was right at Kingsbury.

In the 43rd minute, Watt carried the ball past her defender on the right and sent a low shot towards the near post. However, Kingsbury had it covered and didn’t have any trouble collecting it.

A minute later, Marta played the ball to Angelina at the top of the box. The Brazilian lifted the ball over the back line for McCutcheon, who tried to guide the ball inside the far post. Unfortunately, she sent it wide.

Despite their inability to score, the Pride dominated the first half. They ended the first 45 minutes with the advantage in possession (58%-42%), shots (10-4), shots on target (3-0), crosses (12-3), corner kicks (3-0), and passing accuracy (84%-81%).

“We were doing really well. Our press was working really well. We were blocking them in, weighing the ball,” Watt said about the halftime message. “So, yeah, coach Seb was just saying we just need to finish those chances.”

Hines made one halftime change. After suffering an injury in the first half, Oihane was replaced at right back by Dyke.

The Pride took the first shot of the second half in the 46th minute when Banda sent a long shot towards goal. Kingsbury wasn’t able to collect the ball, knocking it wide and out of play for a Pride corner kick.

The first set piece was cleared out of play and the second corner was wide, ending the threat.

In the 52nd minute, Gabrielle Carle knocked the ball back for Leicy Santos, who sent a hard shot towards goal. The ball slammed off the head of Hatch, going out of play and sending the striker to the ground. Hatch had to go through a concussion test before play was able to resume.

Hatch went down again in the 58th minute. This time she failed the concussion test and was replaced by Rosemonde Kouassi.

The Spirit finally got their first shot on target in the 62nd minute. Makenna Morris entered the Pride box from the right and took a shot, but it didn’t cause any trouble for Moorhouse.

A minute later, Moorhouse made one of the mistakes she’s known for, and it was a big one. Receiving a pass back from Sams, the goalkeeper tried to dribble out of pressure from Gift Monday. Instead, she gave the ball to the forward right in front of her own goal. It was an easy tap-in for Monday, giving the Spirit a 1-0 lead.

“I think, for us, we want to play out of the back. And I think it’s all about finding the open player. Because obviously when a team presses the way that they do, you put yourself under pressure,” Gautrat said about the goal. “And I think, for us, since sometimes when they press well, sometimes you just have to clear it. And I think, for us, we got a little bit caught in between who was even dropping to help Anna in the moment.”

The Pride nearly equalized in the 65th minute when Abello beat Carle to get a cross off. Banda tried to flick the ball from the near post to the far post, hitting the crossbar. The ball fell to Watt and the attacker fired on target, but Morgan blocked it wide. The Pride couldn’t create anything from the ensuing corner kick and the chance ended.

“I was just focusing so hard to make sure I didn’t clear the ball over the net,” Watt said about her chance. “And I just happened to hit it right to my defender. So, I need to finish those chances.”

Hines made two more changes in the 69th minute. Lemos and Prisca Chilufya came into the game for McCutcheon and Watt in a pair of straight swaps.

Banda nearly sent Angelina through on goal in the 70th minute. The Brazilian was behind the back line, but the pass was just beyond her reach and Kingsbury was able to collect it.

In the 72nd minute, Banda was sent behind the Spirit back line. However, McKeown did well to get her body on the striker. Banda got a shot off, but she sent her shot sailing wide of the target.

Hines made his fourth change of the game in the 79th minute, replacing Gautrat with Carson Pickett.

In the 83rd minute, Banda tried to play Marta at the near post, but the ball was knocked out of play for a corner kick. Kingsbury pushed away the ensuing set piece off Carle’s head and in to even the game at 1-1.

As the Pride players celebrated, referee Elton Garcia was called to the monitor. Nadaner backed into Kingsbury on the play, impeding the goalkeeper from catching the ball. It was a quick review and the goal was correctly overturned, retaining the Spirit’s lead.

Immediately after the review, Hines made his fifth and final change of the game. Grace Chanda came on for Angelina.

In the 88th minute, Marta made a nice cut to create space from a pair of defenders. Despite the long distance, Kingsbury could only push the ball over the top for a corner kick. Unfortunately, the ensuing set piece was too close to the former Pride goalkeeper, who caught the ball and ended the attack.

Abello sent Chilufya down the right in the third minute of stoppage time. Carle slid in to intercept, but missed the ball, allowing Chilufya to get into the Spirit box. The Zambian then beat Morgan and shot for the far post. However, the ball rolled just wide for a goal kick.

In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Rebeca Bernal put her hand on Marta’s back and the Pride captain went down. Bernal contested the foul call, but the Pride had a free kick in a dangerous position. Lemos’ free kick was just over Banda’s head, but sent back in by Pickett. A poor clearance went to Marta, but the Brazilian mishit the ball.

The final chance of the game came in the ninth minute of stoppage time when Marta’s cross went through the legs of Banda at the near post. Kingsbury collected it and the Pride dropped points for the first time this season.

The Pride ended up with the advantage in possession (59.9%-40.1%), shots (20-9), shots on target (6-2), crosses (22-7), corner kicks (11-1), and passing accuracy (82.3%-77.3%). However, the poor finishing cost them dearly as the Spirit take home all three points.

“I think 99% of the match we did well. I thought we played with a real intensity,” Hines said about the performance. “I thought we put Washington under immense pressure, and obviously we need to capitalize on those moments. And the frustration is, when you dominate a game, to not get anything out of it. We should put ourselves in that position. So obviously, bitterly disappointed with the result. I thought the performance was good, but we have to move on.”

This is the first loss for the Pride at Inter&Co Stadium since Aug. 25, 2023, a 2-1 loss to San Diego Wave FC. It snapped a 22-game points streak at home (16-0-6) in all competitions after claiming points in every home game last year.

“Tough one. Obviously, we don’t like to lose. We haven’t lost at home in a long, long time,” Gautrat said. “But, I think for us, we’re still early on in the season. I thought the performance was there. Thought we dominated in all facets of the game, honestly. And I just felt like we didn’t put one away. And we gave up one chance, maybe, and I think that we were unfortunate in that. But for us, I think we move on. We learn from the loss, and it’s still early on.”

The Pride will undoubtedly see this as three points lost. They had plenty of chances to put the game away much earlier. Their inability to do so and a simple mistake cost them a home loss against a team they’ll likely be challenging for the NWSL Shield at the end of the season.

“I think we got a little bit too lax for just maybe 5-10 minutes,” Gautrat said. “And I think that that makes a huge difference in this league, because teams are good enough and the quality is good enough to punish you for that. And I think we have to have a better performance for the full 90 minutes.”

The Pride will look to bounce back from this loss Friday night when they welcome Angel City FC to Orlando Friday night.

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Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More

The Pride look to make it five straight wins as they welcome the Washington Spirit to Orlando.

Published

6 days ago

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April 19, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to your match thread as the Orlando Pride return home to face the Washington Spirit. This is the second time the teams will meet this year and the first of two regular-season games. They are scheduled to face off again in Washington on Oct. 18.

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

History

The Pride and Spirit have faced off 27 times since the Pride joined the NWSL in 2016. Orlando has a record of 10-9-8 in all competitions against Washington and a 9-6-7 record in NWSL play (regular season and playoffs combined).

The last time these two teams met was on March 7 in the NWSL Challenge Cup. In her first game back since July 6, Rafaelle netted the opening goal to give the Pride a late first-half lead. Leicy Santos equalized in the 72nd minute with a terrific strike, ending the game 1-1. The Spirit won the ensuing shootout 4-2 to claim the preseason trophy.

The first meeting of 2024 was on April 26 in Washington, D.C. Angelina gave the Pride the early lead before Ouleymata Sarr equalized shortly before halftime. A Barbra Banda strike and a Summer Yates penalty conversion in the second half seemed to put the game away, but Anna Moorhouse dropped an easy catch from Ashley Hatch, giving the Spirit a second goal. Fortunately, the Pride held on for the 3-2 win, extending their early-season winning streak to three games.

On Oct. 6, 2024 in Orlando, the Pride were dominant but didn’t convert until Marta scored in the 53rd minute. An Adriana shot was deflected by Tara McKeown for an own goal in the 73rd minute, lifting the Pride to a 2-0 win and clinching the NWSL Shield. The two teams then met on Nov. 23, 2024 in the NWSL Championship. Banda’s 37th-minute goal was the difference in the game as the Pride won their first-ever league title.

The first meeting of 2023 was on May 10 at Audi Field in NWSL Challenge Cup group play. Tori Hansen gave the Pride a surprising early lead, but late first-half goals by Lena Silano, Sam Staab, and Marissa Sheva made it 3-1 Washington at halftime. Ally Watt scored off the bench early in the second half, but Ashley Sanchez put the game away in injury time as the Spirit won 4-2.

The first regular-season matchup of 2023 was on May 20 in Orlando. Marta converted a first-half penalty, but Staab equalized five minutes later. Kylie Strom netted the winner late, and the Pride won 2-1. The Pride dominated the Spirit in the second regular-season matchup on July 1. Julie Doyle had a brace in the first 16 minutes and a McKeown own goal put the game out of reach as the Pride won 3-0.

The final meeting in 2023 was in the Challenge Cup on Aug. 4 in Orlando. The game appeared to be headed for a scoreless draw until Mariana Speckmaier scored eight minutes into second-half injury time, lifting her team to a 1-0 win.

The first game between the teams in 2022 came on May 27 at Exploria Stadium. Trinity Rodman gave the Spirit an early lead and Hatch doubled the advantage after halftime. As the game entered second-half stoppage time, it appeared as though the Pride would fall for the second straight time, but a pair of late goals by Mikayla Cluff and Darian Jenkins stunned Washington with a 2-2 draw. The teams met again on July 17 at Audi Field and the Spirit dominated the game statistically. They had more possession, shots, and shots on target but couldn’t find the back of the net, resulting in a scoreless draw.

Prior to the draw in May, the Pride and Spirit played two games in the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup. The first was on March 19 in Orlando, playing to a scoreless draw. 

The second Challenge Cup meeting came on April 3 at Audi Field. Gunny Jonsdottir scored the team’s first goal in four games. However, the Spirit already had a 3-0 lead. Rodman scored a late goal to put the game away as the Pride fell 4-1.

The two teams played four times during 2021. The first was on April 21 in the Challenge Cup. Sydney Leroux’s goal was the only scoring as the Pride won 1-0. Just two games later, the Pride opened their regular season by hosting the Spirit on May 16. Hatch gave Washington the lead, but Alex Morgan equalized to claim a 1-1 draw. The second regular-season meeting that year was on June 6 in Washington. Hatch opened the scoring, but Taylor Kornieck equalized minutes later, resulting in a 1-1 draw. The final meeting of 2021 came Aug. 22 at Audi Field. Marta gave the Pride the lead, but Hatch equalized just two minutes later. It looked like it would be a third straight 1-1 draw but Sanchez won it for Washington late.

Due to the pandemic, the Pride and Spirit didn’t play in 2020 but faced off three times in 2019. The first was on July 6 in Orlando. Marta scored a brace in the second half, leading the Pride to a 4-3 win. They played again on Aug. 24 in Washington. Crystal Thomas gave the hosts the lead and Marta equalized. But Hatch’s goal lifted the Spirit to a 2-1 win. The final game was supposed to be the following weekend but was postponed due to Hurricane Dorian. Instead, the game was played Oct. 9 in Orlando. The Spirit dominated the rubber match, beating the Pride 3-0.

The first of two meetings in 2018 was on March 31 at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Hatch scored a goal and added an assist in a 2-0 win for the Spirit. The Pride got their revenge in the second game in the same location. Alanna Kennedy’s goal was the difference as the Pride won 1-0. The final meeting that year was on July 7 in Orlando. Hatch gave the Spirit the lead, but Leroux scored just before halftime and Marta’s goal gave Orlando the 2-1 win.

The 2017 season was the first time the teams played three times in a year. Their April 22 meeting was the Pride’s first home game that year. Line Sigvardsen-Jensen gave the visitors the lead, but Danica Evans answered as the teams drew 1-1. They met for the second time that year in Maryland on July 8 when Marta and Mallory Pugh both scored braces in a 2-2 draw. The final game in 2018 was on Aug. 8 in Orlando. Marta, Camila, and Morgan all scored as the Pride ran away with a 3-0 win.

The Spirit swept the first two meetings in 2016, winning 2-0 in Maryland and 2-1 in Orlando.

Overview

The Pride have gotten off to a great start to the 2025 NWSL season. They started with a club record-tying 6-0 win over the Chicago Stars and followed that with wins over NJ/NY Gotham FC, San Diego Wave FC, and Seattle Reign FC.

Offensively, the Pride have a league-leading 11 goals, largely sparked by that dominant 6-0 season opener. As expected, Banda leads the team with three goals. Marta and Haley McCutcheon follow with two goals each.

The Pride back line has started this season where it left off last year. Chiamaka Okwuchukwu’s 62nd-minute goal for San Diego on March 29 is the only goal conceded in regular-season play. Only the Kansas City Current have equaled the Pride’s defensive start to the season.

The Spirit have started the season just a bit behind the Pride and Current. After winning the Challenge Cup, last year’s runners up are 3-1-0, with their only loss being a 2-0 defeat at home to the Current.

Outside of the 2-0 loss — the Current are second in the league with 10 goals scored — the Spirit have only conceded once. The last two games have been 2-0 wins over Bay FC and Racing Louisville FC.

The Spirit are led offensively by the always-dangerous Hatch. The U.S. international has four of the team’s six goals, with Santos and Makenna Morris splitting the other two. Santos, Esme Morgan, and Narumi Muira each have one assist so far this year.

Former Pride goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury remains the starter in net for the Spirit. The shot stopper has 13 saves — fourth in the league — and an 0.75 goals-against average — third in the league.

In front of Kingsbury is a strong center back pairing of Tara McKeown and Rebeca Bernal. Casey Krueger and Gabrielle Carle have been the fullbacks until the most recent game when Krueger was out with a knee injury.

“Two teams that are competing to ultimately win the shield. So, there’s not a lot of room for error. It’s fine margins,” Pride Head Coach Seb Hines said about tonight’s game. “They are coming to our place and we want to make that hostile environment with the fans coming out and supporting us. But it should turn out to be an entertaining game. Like I said, both teams are in a good run of form, and so we’re hoping we get the good side of it by getting the three points.”

There’s only one change to the Pride availability report today. Simone Charley (ankle), Luana (illness), Amanda Allen (shoulder), Aryssa Mahrt (knee), Julie Doyle (knee), and Rafaelle (thigh) remain out. They’re joined by Summer Yates (foot) who suffered an injury while assisting Banda’s goal in Seattle on April 12.

The Spirit have an extensive injury list, including Croix Bethune (hip), Emma Gaines-Ramos (knee), Hal Hershfelt (ankle), Lyza Jessee (wrist), Krueger (knee), Paige Metayer (knee), Brittany Ratcliffe (lower leg), Trinity Rodman (back), Ouleye Sarr (back), Andi Sullivan (knee), and Kate Wiesner (hip) all out. Santos (ankle) is questionable.

Official Lineups

Orlando Pride (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Anna Moorhouse.

Defenders: Kerry Abello, Kylie Nadaner, Emily Sams, Oihane.

Defensive Midfielders: Haley McCutcheon, Morgan Gautrat.

Midfielders: Angelina, Marta, Ally Watt.

Forward: Barbra Banda.

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

Washington Spirit (5-3-2)

Goalkeeper: Aubrey Kingsbury.

Defenders: Makenna Morris, Gabrielle Carle, Tara McKeown, Rebeca Bernal, Esme Morgan.

Midfielders: Narumi Miura, Heather Stainbrook, Courtney Brown.

Forwards: Ashley Hatch, Gift Monday.

Bench: Sandy MacIver, Leicy Santos, Rosemonde Kouassi, Kysha Sylla, Kiley Dulaney, Meg Boade, Chloe Ricketts.

Referees

REF: Elton Garcia.
AR1: John Krill.
AR2: Tiffini Turpin.
4TH: Alejo Calume.
VAR: Greg Dopka.
AVAR: Brian Marshall.

How to Watch

Match Time: 5 p.m.

Venue: Inter&Co Stadium — Orlando.

TV: Ion.

Streaming: Prime Video.

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!

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