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Orlando Pride vs. Gotham FC: Final Score 1-0 as Another Late Goal Sinks the Pride

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The Orlando Pride returned to Exploria Stadium with fans for the first time since Oct. 12, 2019, but those fans ultimately left disappointed after a 1-0 home loss to NJ/NY Gotham FC — the team formerly known as Sky Blue. Orlando did well in the first half, and even for the first 15 minutes of the second half. However, Gotham hit the Pride on a counter attack in the 79th minute for the lone goal of the match by Paige Monaghan. The Pride fell to 0-1-1 in the 20201 NWSL Challenge Cup standings.

“Extremely frustrating result,” Orlando Pride Head Coach Marc Skinner said after the match. “We got suckered into a very good counter attack, which is this league, isn’t it, in a nutshell? But if you don’t take the opportunity to score when you’re on top, you have an opportunity for the opposition to force an error, or to force a kind of focus mistake and obviously they get an opportunity at the end and they finish it well. So, it’s a good smash-and-grab win for Gotham.”

Skinner made one change to his starting XI from the weekend. He kept the 4-2-3-1 formation. Meggie Dougherty Howard was not on the game day roster due to a right knee injury. Instead, Courtney Petersen slotted into the midfield, instead of her typical fullback role.

“Mark and (Assistant Coach) Carl (Green) just told me to play free,” Petersen said. “You know, I used to play winger in college, so it wasn’t anything really new to me. I love attacking and I love getting up the flank. So, honestly, it was just, get at them and attack and get crosses in and try to get in the box as much as possible. I had a ton of fun on that flank and being higher up the field.”

It was a completely different start of the match for Orlando than on Saturday. The Pride came out on the front foot and had a few chances early on. 

“I think it’s always something that we want to implement, especially this year with the personnel that we have,” said Marisa Viggiano about the start of the match. “The first half of Saturday, it was raining, the sun was in our eyes. So I think we were just able to really implement it today knowing that we were on our home pitch, in front of our fans, and we really wanted to be on the front foot for as long as we could be.”

Just seconds into the match, Petersen played a low cross into the box to Sydney Leroux. Leroux slid onto it but it went inches wide of the post. A little later, Leroux and Petersen both took shots from outside the box but neither were threatening. 

The best chance of the half for Gotham came in the 11th minute. Nicole Baxter played a cross into the box. There was not any Gotham players in the area, and Konya Plummer tried to use her chest to pass the ball to Ashlyn Harris. Unfortunately for the defender, it bounced up off her arm and the referee awarded a penalty kick. 

Naiomi Kawasumi stepped up for the visitors. She hit a lot shot to Harris’ right and the Pride goalkeeper was able to make a diving save to keep the game goalless. 

Orlando’s best chance of the half came in the 38th minute. Phoebe McClernon played a great ball to Leroux, and the forward got behind the Gotham defense. One-on-one with Gotham ‘keeper Didi Haracic, Leroux was expected to score. However, Leroux left the ball at a comfortable height, and Haracic came up with the huge stop, and the game went into halftime tied at 0-0. 

Gotham held 62% possession in the first half, but Orlando had the better chances. The Pride had out-shot Gotham (9-2), put more shots on target (4-1), and won more duels (24-19), and tackles (9-5). 

“I think it’s very important to dictate the game early,” said Petersen. “Because then we’re putting them on their heels and running at them. And wave after wave putting the ball in the box and creating chances. It’s just at the end of the day we have to put the chances in the back of the net if we want to win.”

Petersen looked much better playing as the left midfielder than she did last year as a fullback. She continuously made space for herself and put crosses into the box. Her crosses could have been better, while her teammates also did not do much to help. 

“I thought [Petersen] did great in terms of that she can be way more aggressive at times and really use her ability to counter press, to move the ball, to run at players, and then she’s got a great delivery, too,” Skinner said. “So the idea was to give more delivery zones for Syd [Leroux] and for Taylor [Kornieck], and then Marta for any cutbacks.”

Not much happened in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Jade Moore had a shot in the 54th minute that just went wide. A few minutes later, Petersen took a shot from distance. It looked like a simple save but Haracic bobbled a little. 

After the hour mark, Gotham seemed to take control of the match. The visitors were more dangerous and started to press their attack. Around the 70th minute, Gotham had a few chances that forced Harris into saves. The Pride were extremely poor in defending and unable to clear the ball. Luckily, Gotham was not able to score. 

The goal came in the 79th minute. Ifeoma Onumonu sent in a perfect ball after a run down the right wing. Her low cross fell right to a wide open Monaghan at the back post, who passed the ball into the net. Harris made a good effort to prevent the goal but had little chance at it. 

“What you’re going to get in this league is always a chance to counter attack,” said Skinner. “I think if you look at whether it’s tactical or kind of a lazier kind of recovery, they just end up numbers up on the back zone. I’m sure it’s a million kind of critique points that we can put towards it. Can we stop it early? Can we stop it going down the side? Can we defend narrow in the box? Can we lock on? Could we keep the ball?”

Orlando only had one good look on goal after the opener. Ali Riley sent in a cross that bounced around. Kornieck ended up on it and took a shot, but it sailed off wide. 

Orlando dominated the stat sheet in almost everything except for possession. Gotham finished with 61% of the ball. Orlando had more shots (17-7) shots on goal (7-3), and crosses (17-14). 


The Pride are back in action next Wednesday, April 21 at 7 p.m. against the Washington Spirit at Exploria Stadium.

Orlando Pride

Orlando Pride Sign Two Players to Short-Term Contracts

With a couple of active roster slots open, the Pride have signed two of their non-roster invitees to short-term contracts.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

The Orlando Pride have signed goalkeeper DeAira Jackson and midfielder Aryssa Mahrt to short-term contracts. Both players were non-roster invitees to the club’s 2025 preseason camp and have obviously made an impression in a short time.

“We’re pleased to welcome both DeAira and Aryssa to Orlando. Both players bring unique qualities that will enhance our roster during this period,” Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter said in a club press release. “DeAira brings important depth to our goalkeeping unit with her strong shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box. Aryssa’s technical ability and vision give us additional options in the final third. These signings reflect our commitment to maintaining a competitive roster while providing opportunities for talented young players to showcase and develop their abilities at the professional level.” 

Jackson joins the Pride out of Grand Canyon University, where she was the 2024 WAC Goalkeeper of the Year and a member of the All-WAC first team following her last collegiate season. After playing two seasons at Cal State Fullerton, she transferred to Grand Canyon University and became the school’s all-time shutout leader with 16 in just two seasons. Nine of those came in her senior campaign, which set the school record for most clean sheets in a season. She was also the Outrigger No Ka Oi Tournament MVP and a two-time WAC Player of the Week in 2024. The Fontana, CA native appeared in 43 matches for Grand Canyon across two seasons, compiling a record of 25-11-7, the aforementioned 16 shutouts, a 0.89 goals-against average and a save percentage of .781, facing 415 shots in 3,754 minutes.

Mahrt played three seasons at the University of Wisconsin, appearing in 62 games (61 starts) and playing 4,503 minutes. The Milwaukee, WI native scored 21 goals and added 15 assists, putting 78 of her 114 shots on target. Eight of her goals were game winners. Mahrt started all 21 games in her senior season, leading the Badgers in goals (10) and assists (4). She has represented the United States at the youth level with both the U-14 and U-16 sides. Her soccer lineage includes a great grandfather who played for the Malaysian National Team.

What It Means for Orlando

Ultimately, these signings don’t mean much overall, aside from that the club rates these players as optional replacements. Grace Chanda, Simone Charley, and Rafaelle are still technically not part of the active roster, but may be reinstated whenever they are deemed healthy. Because there are available active roster spots available, why not use them? Additionally, Emily Sams and Anna Moorhouse have been called up to their national teams for upcoming competitions.

Orlando’s college scouting has been good, and no doubt the Pride would like to have these players stick around to push players in training and potentially fill in when players are forced out of the lineup by injury or international duty.

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Seb Hines Has Decisions To Make For Orlando Pride’s Back Line

What will the Pride’s back line look like when everyone is healthy?

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

As the 2025 NWSL season approaches, the Orlando Pride’s roster is taking shape. While the lineup will mostly remain the same, the departure of Adriana and the addition of Prisca Chilufya will impact changes. Additionally, the team has a key previously injured player returning for next season, something that will force Head Coach Seb Hines to make some tough decisions.

One of the most interesting situations impacting the Pride is the back line. Last season, Rafaelle went down with an injury that forced Emily Sams back to her natural center back position, partnering with Kylie Strom. The duo were terrific down the stretch, lifting their team to 14 shutouts, including in the NWSL Championship.

The move forced rookie Cori Dyke to take a more significant role, starting at right back. It was a tough situation for the 24-year-old, but she handled it brilliantly. Dyke was excellent during the final stretch of the season and especially during the playoffs, helping the team win the league title.

When Rafaelle returns from her injury and is fit to play, Hines will have three center backs, all of which have proven to make strong pairings on the back line. So how will the Pride boss handle the situation? Let’s take a look at some of his options.

If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It

While Rafaelle is a Brazilian international and a great center back, Sams and Strom were fantastic together for much of last season. Sams began the year at right back, while Rafaelle and Strom were the center back pairing. When Sams was forced to move to her natural position, Dyke took over as the starting right back.

Dyke had a strong rookie campaign, especially after taking over. Taking her out of the starting lineup with how she performed would be difficult for Hines. It would be surprising to see Rafaelle healthy and on the bench, but the back line of Kerry Abello, Strom, Sams, and Dyke was the best in the league last year and Hines might not want to rock the boat.

Go Back To The Start of 2024

Another option is to go back to how the back line looked at the start of 2024. While Sams was a regular at center back in 2023, Hines moved her to right back to begin last season. In a corresponding move, Strom — who had been the starting left back since 2022 — moved to center back alongside Rafaelle.

With everyone healthy, Hines could give that lineup another chance. After all, Strom was more solid at center back than left back and Sams proved she’s more than capable of playing right back. This is probably the most likely option and would ensure the team’s three best defenders are on the field.

Return to 2023

The Pride acquired Rafaelle on July 3, 2023, while the league was in the middle of the FIFA Women’s World Cup break. When the Brazilian joined the team, she started with Sams at center back and Strom was the starting left back. Strom has much more experience at left back than Sams does at right back, so Hines could send her back to her original position.

However, Strom had her best season as a member of the Pride in 2024 while playing center back. It’s hard to believe that Hines would send his vice captain back to left back after playing her in the middle all of last year. Rafaelle and Sams are the team’s only other experienced center backs, so this option is a possibility, even if it is unlikely.

Take Advantage of Versatility

When it comes to acquiring defenders, one of the primary things Hines and Haley Carter consider is versatility. Almost everyone on the back line can play center back and at least one of the outside back positions. This gives Hines an opportunity that few coaches have with their rosters.

Hines could move the players around, pairing all three center backs at times and moving Strom to the left and Sams to the right occasionally. Even Dyke can play center back, as she did in college. Moving players around would give them breaks during the season, keeping them fresh.

This decision could also backfire. Players get comfortable with their positions, so moving them around constantly could impact their quality. It would be a risky choice and is unlikely, but given the versatility of the players, it is an option for Hines. He could also take advantage of their versatility by playing a back line of three center backs, using Strom, Rafaelle, and Sams, while pushing Kerry Abello and Dyke up to wingback.


The Pride won the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship in 2024, one of the best seasons for any team in league history. They have most of the team returning, so they’ll be a favorite to repeat in 2025. While most of the lineup will be back, there are still some questions to be answered. One of those is who will start along the back line. We’ll find out soon enough, and it will be interesting to see what Hines decides.

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Orlando Pride Sign Zambian Forward Prisca Chilufya

Pride add to their attack by signing Zambian international Prisca Chilufya from FC Juarez.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

The Orlando Pride announced today that the club has signed Zambian forward Prisca Chilufya to a three-year deal that runs through the 2027 season. She’s the third Zambian attacker to join the Pride in the last 10 months.

“We are thrilled to welcome Prisca to the Orlando Pride. Prisca is a dynamic forward who brings exceptional ability, speed, and a proven scoring record to our attack,” Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter said in a club press release. “Her experience in both international competition with Zambia and her success in Liga MX Feminil demonstrates the kind of top-tier talent we’re committed to bringing to Orlando. She represents both immediate impact and long-term potential, and we believe she will thrive in our environment. Her three-year commitment reflects our shared vision for building something special. We can’t wait for our fans to see her take the pitch in purple.” 

The 25-year-old attacker joins the Pride from FC Juarez in Mexico. Since joining the team in 2023, she’s made 48 appearances and scored 14 goals. She’s scored four goals this year in just over half a season.

“I am honored to be joining Orlando Pride, a club with such a strong vision and commitment to excellence in women’s soccer,” Chilufya said in the club’s release. “I’m excited to bring my experience and skills to the NWSL, which is one of the most competitive leagues in the world. The opportunity to play alongside such talented teammates and learn from the coaching staff here in Orlando is something I’ve dreamed about. I’ve watched as the Pride have been built something special, and I want to contribute to the team’s success both on and off the field.” 

Before moving to Mexico, Chilufya played for Tomris Turan of the Kazakh Women’s Championship, making 14 appearances and scoring 18 goals during the 2022-2023 season. She moved to that club from fellow Kazakh club BIIK Kazygurt — which she helped win the championship in 2021.

On the international level, Chilufya has been a regular for Zambia since making her debut in the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and qualifiers for the Tokyo Olympics. She took part in all three of Zambia’s games in the 2024 Paris Olympics, serving as an alternate for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Most recently, she played in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

What It Means for Orlando

This signing comes on the heels of the Pride transferring Brazilian star Adriana to the Saudi Women’s Premier League. It’s not surprising the club made a move to bring in an attacker and that the player was Zambian.

Chilufya is the third Zambian international the Pride have signed in the last year. It started with the acquisition of striker Barbra Banda, who quickly became a focal point of the Pride’s attack. Then they signed Grace Chanda, whose injury during the Olympics has thus far kept her from making her Pride debut.

The impact Chilufya will make on the team is unknown, but it won’t be easy to break into the lineup. With Adriana gone, Chanda will likely move into the attacking midfield if she’s healthy. Meanwhile, the club re-signed club captain Marta to a new two-year deal, and she’ll obviously play the 10 role. Julie Doyle and Summer Yates both played on the left side in 2024 and are expected to continue sharing responsibility there in 2025. Such competition for a starting spot can only help the club, pushing all of these attackers to develp their game.

Regardless of which players seize a starting spot, the Pride have added depth, something Carter continually tries to do. Head Coach Seb Hines will have plenty of choices in an attacking midfield that can be devastating to NWSL defenses at times. It’s a good move for the Pride after losing a key piece in the attack.

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