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

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Welcome to your match thread as the Orlando Pride (1-1-0, 3 points) return home to face the Kansas City Current (0-2-0, 0 points). The Pride are coming off their first win of the season, defeating Angel City FC 1-0 last weekend at Banc of California Stadium. This is the first of two meetings against the Current, with the second coming on July 31 in Kansas City.

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

History

The Current joined the NWSL last season after the Utah Royals were bought and relocated. The team was known simply as Kansas City NWSL and faced the Pride twice during the 2021 NWSL season.

The first meeting occurred on May 30 at Exploria Stadium. In the 16th minute, a Courtney Petersen cross found the head of Alex Morgan just outside the six-yard box. The former Pride striker put the header on frame but it appeared to be cleared off the line. However, the referee indicated that the ball crossed the line for the opening goal. It was the only goal of the game as the Pride took down Kansas City 1-0.

The second meeting was a June 23 midweek battle in Kansas City and was one to remember. Former Pride head coach Marc Skinner left multiple players at home as the team prepared to lose them for the Olympics. Mariana Larroquette gave the hosts the lead eight minutes into first-half injury time, but then Sydney Leroux took over.

Just two minutes after the first goal, Leroux beat her defender and fired a shot from a tough angle between two Kansas City players. The ball was deflected in by a defender but Leroux was given credit for the goal.

Shortly after halftime, Leroux scored a screamer from outside the box, giving the Pride the lead. Despite her brace, the goal most remembered from that game came from Marta. The Brazilian came on at halftime and created multiple chances in the half. Then, in the 85th minute, she let one fly from the top of the center circle. The ball sailed over the head of Kansas City goalkeeper Abby Smith and in, securing the Pride’s 3-1 win.

Overview

The Pride followed a winless Challenge Cup (0-4-2, 2 points) with a crushing 3-0 loss to NJ/NY Gotham FC at Exploria Stadium in the season opener. Last weekend, they traveled west to take on Angel City FC for their first-ever game in California. In the third minute, Gunny Jonsdottir played the ball across for Leroux. The forward shot the ball toward the empty net, but Angel City defender Morgan Reid nearly cleared it off the line. However, the ball still had enough on it to go in and Leroux got credit for the goal. The Pride squandered multiple chances to build a bigger lead, but held on for 87 minutes for the 1-0 win.

After a tough start to the year, the Pride now have something to build from. The team is still suffering from some significant injuries, like Marta and Amy Turner. However, the Pride have been getting some players back, with Leroux and Erin McLeod re-entering the starting lineup in the last couple of games.

The Pride displayed a change in the lineup last weekend with Carrie Lawrence playing center back for the first time and Megan Montefusco entering the midfield in the No. 6 role. After the team’s win over Angel City, Pride Head Coach Amanda Cromwell said that she expects the two players to start in the same spots for tonight’s game against Kansas City.

Unlike the Pride, the Current had a great Challenge Cup, going 4-1-1 (13 points) and winning the Central Division. But the regular season hasn’t continued that success. The team traveled west for its first game, falling 3-0 to the Portland Thorns. The second game saw the club return home and lose 2-0 to the Houston Dash. As a result, the Current are still looking for their first goal in the regular season in addition to their first point.

After deploying four defenders in the team’s first game, the Current started with three in the back against Houston. They conceded three goals with a back four, but only conceded twice, albeit at home, with three in the back against the Dash. The bigger problem has been the lack of offense. The team has some firepower with Kristen Hamilton, Lo’eau Labonta, and Victoria Pickett, but none of the three have found the net in the first two games.

However, it’s not for a lack of trying. After getting out-shot 19-5 in the first game in Portland, the Current out-shot Houston, 15-9, and put five shots on target. But Jane Campbell was up to the task at Children’s Mercy Park, posting a shutout on the road. As a result, the Pride are welcoming a struggling team to Exploria Stadium tonight, giving them a good chance to win back-to-back games for the first time since last May.

“(Kansas City) has really good players in attacking spots that we have to be really mindful of,” Cromwell said about tonight’s opponent. “(We are) getting a sense of what their formation might be so we can set up against them. They are going to be good. They are going to be searching for a win.

“Winning is great. It’s a great feeling and becomes a habit. That’s what we are going to try to remind (the team). That energy, that confidence is a habit. You walk onto the field every game wanting to continue those habits that get us the three points.”

The Pride have been dealing with injuries since early in the Challenge Cup and will be without some key players tonight. This includes Marta (SEI), Meggie Dougherty Howard (right hip), Turner (right ankle), and Angharad James (right ankle). They join an injury list that includes Caitlin Cosme (D45), Parker Roberts (right ankle), and Viviana Villacorta (right quad).

Kansas City is in a similar situation. The Current are missing Sam Mewis (right leg), Mallory Weber (right leg), and Lynn Williams (right leg), and all would usually be starters. The latter two injuries are season-ending. Additionally, Chloe Logarzo (right leg) is listed as out and Elyse Bennett (left leg) is questionable.


Official Lineups

Orlando Pride (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Erin McLeod.

Defenders: Courtney Petersen, Toni Pressley, Carrie Lawrence, Celia.

Defensive Midfielders: Megan Montefusco, Mikayla Cluff.

Midfielders: Darian Jenkins, Gunny Jonsdottir, Sydney Leroux.

Forwards: Leah Pruitt.

Bench: Kaylie Collins, Abi Kim, Julie Doyle, Anna Moorhouse, Kerry Abello, Erika Tymrak, Kylie Strom, Chelsee Washington, Jordyn Listro.

Kansas City Current (3-4-3)

Goalkeeper: Adrianna Franch.

Defenders: Addie McCain, Taylor Leach, Jenna Winebrenner.

Midfielders: Hailie Mace, Alexis Loera, Desiree Scott, Kristen Edmonds.

Forwards: Kristen Hamilton, Lo’eau Labonta, Victoria Pickett.

Bench: Cassie Miller, Elizabeth Ball, Kate Del Fava, Maddie Nolf, Chardonnay Curran, Jaycie Johnson, Izzy Rodriguez, Elyse Bennett, Sydney Schneider.

Referees

REF: Alexandra Billeter.

AR1: Fritz Barberousse.

AR2: Ashlee Varnson.

4TH: Alejo Calume.


How to Watch

Match Time: 6:30 p.m.

Venue: Exploria Stadium — Orlando.

TV: None.

Streaming: Paramount+ (U.S.), Twitch (International).

Twitter: For rapid reaction and live updates, follow @TheManeLand and the Orlando Pride’s official Twitter feed (@ORLPride).


Enjoy the match. Go Pride!

Orlando Pride

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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Orlando Pride Transfer Adriana to Saudi Side Al Qadsiah FC

The club has secured one of the highest transfer fees in NWSL history for the Brazilian attacker after she requested a transfer.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

The Orlando Pride announced today that the club has secured a club-record transfer fee from Al Qadsiah FC of the Saudi Women’s Premier League in exchange for Brazilian international attacking midfielder/forward Adriana. The club announced that the sale was one of the three highest in NWSL history, with Jeff Kassouf of The Equalizer reporting the fee as $500,000.

“We are incredibly grateful for Adriana’s contributions to the club, and while we will miss her presence both on and off the pitch, we are happy to support her in this next chapter of her career,” Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter said in a club press release. “At the Pride, we believe in empowering our players to pursue opportunities that align with their personal and professional goals. The record transfer fee we received reflects both Adriana’s exceptional talent and our commitment to building mutually beneficial relationships in the global transfer market. These resources will help us continue to attract world-class talent to Orlando as we build for the future. We wish Adriana all the best and she will always be part of the Pride family.” 

The move, which was requested by Adriana, comes shortly after the start of training camp as the Pride prepare to defend their NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship titles.

“I want to thank the Orlando Pride, my teammates, and especially our amazing fans for making Orlando feel like home,” Adriana said in the club’s release. “This club gave me an incredible opportunity to grow as a player and person, and I will always be grateful for my time here. The Pride organization has been very supportive of my desire to take on this new challenge overseas. They worked hard to make this move possible while ensuring it benefited everyone involved. Orlando will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to watching the club continue to grow and succeed.” 

The Pride signed Adriana almost exactly two years ago on Jan. 19, 2023, from Brazilian giants Corinthians. That deal was through the 2025 season, meaning her contract would have been up at the end of this year. As Orlando typically extends players’ deals before they expire, the timing makes some sense, despite it happening during the Pride’s preseason.

In two seasons with Orlando, Adriana was a key player for the Pride with the versatility for Seb Hines to deploy her in multiple ways. She was primarily used as a winger during her time in Orlando, appearing in 46 NWSL regular-season games with 38 starts, logging 3,333 minutes. She scored six goals and added four assists, sharing the team lead in those categories in 2023. Her contributions in 2024 raised her career regular-season totals with the Pride to 12 goals and five assists across two seasons.

Adriana appeared in all three of the Pride’s playoff games during her stay in Orlando, starting two and logging 197 minutes. She did not make a goal contribution, attempting six shots with only one of those hitting the target. She tallied five key passes and one successful long ball in the Pride’s run to the title.

Additionally, the Brazilian made one appearance in the NWSL Challenge Cup, playing just eight minutes off the bench in 2023 without a goal contribution. She was on international duty during four of the Pride’s six matches in that competition. Adriana was away at the Olympics during the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, so she did not play in that competition.

What It Means for Orlando

Losing a player of Adriana’s caliber does not make a team better, but the club got a big return for an attacking piece that had started splitting time with Summer Yates during Orlando’s final stretch of the season in 2024. The Pride’s younger players are starting to demand more minutes with their performances, and while the team’s depth takes a hit with Adriana’s departure, the club has the resources to find a roster replacement.

Someone will have to replace Adriana’s six goals per year. Yates scored five in her second season in the league, but a jump to 11 in her third year seems unrealistic. However, more minutes for Yates may mitigate some of Adriana’s lost offense. Others who can contribute to replacing those goals include Grace Chanda, Simone Charley, Ally Watt, and Julie Doyle. The first two on that list are talented, but still have yet to play their first game for the Pride. It’s also conceivable that Barbra Banda can score more goals in her second NWSL season.

In Adriana, the Pride also lost one of the team’s better penalty takers. Adriana was two-for-two from the spot in 2024. Someone else will need to step up and take up the secondary penalty-taker role (to Marta) in 2025.

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