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Orlando Pride vs. OL Reign: Final Score 3-0 as Pride Fall in Season Finale

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2 years ago

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The Orlando Pride (5-10-7, 22 points) ended their 2022 NWSL campaign with a 3-0 loss to OL Reign (11-4-7, 40 points), getting dominated from start to finish and closing the season on a six-match winless streak (0-5-1). Megan Rapinoe, Jordyn Huitema, and Bethany Balcer gave the Reign a three-goal lead inside 31 minutes and held it for the remainder of the game. With the win, OL Reign jumped over Portland and won the NWSL Shield.

Pride Interim Head Coach Seb Hines made two changes to the team that drew 2-2 with San Diego Wave FC last weekend. Celia and Thais Reiss started this game on the bench, replaced by Kylie Strom and Darian Jenkins.

The back four in front of Erin McLeod was Courtney Petersen, Carrie Lawrence, Toni Pressley, and Kylie Strom. Megan Montefusco and Haley Hanson shared the defensive midfield for the second-consecutive game behind Gunny Jonsdottir, Meggie Dougherty Howard, and Darian Jenkins. Leah Pruitt started the game up top.

OL Reign took control of the game in the second minute and didn’t let up. The Pride were slow in defense, had poor clearances, and were unable to maintain control of the ball. As a result, the game was pretty much over in the 31st minute when the Reign increased their lead to three goals.

The hosts had the game’s first chance in the second minute when a good ball by Huitema looking for Rose Lavelle was cleared out of play by Pressley for a corner kick. The ensuing corner ended up at the foot of Quinn, but the shot was blocked by Lawrence.

The Reign got a second good chance when Lawrence lost the ball in her own end, creating a chance for Jess Fishlock, but the shot was wide. In the fifth minute, Quinn found Balcer out wide and the forward played a great cross for an unmarked Rose Lavelle. It appeared that Lavelle didn’t realize how much time she had, immediately heading it rather than bringing it down. However, she was a little further back and the header went just wide of the target.

OL Reign opened the scoring in the eighth minute, largely because of a Pride mistake. Quinn attempted to send the ball forward from a midfield position but it went right to Strom. The defender tried to clear the ball, but it went off the side of her foot and right to Huitema. The Canadian quickly played it into the middle where Rapinoe was left unmarked, on the quick counter, putting it past McLeod to give the Reign an early 1-0 lead.

“You dig yourself a hole eight minutes in. That’s pretty tough,” Montefusco said about conceding so early. “Especially knowing that they weren’t going to stop. We kind of felt that right out the gate. They were down our throats and I think we were saying to each other in those moments just stay composed and weather the storm. And the storm was continuing to come and we didn’t do that well, but that’s another learning experience for this young team.”

“I think we came out flat and our style of play, which I thought we did really well last game — we’re a pass-and-move type of team, short passes — we started a little bit frantic, including some of the passes that I made,” McLeod added. “And they had an incredible atmosphere here and I think we kind of started a little bit on our heels. We weren’t as sharp as usual.”

The hosts nearly doubled their lead in the 12th minute through a great individual effort by Balcer. Huitema found the forward at the top corner of the box. After a stepover to beat Petersen, Balcer tried to chip McLeod. She sent the ball just over the crossbar. Three minutes later, Fishlock sent a ball for Balcer in the box. Petersen was able to get her head to the ball, but sent it to Huitema in the center of the area. The attacker quickly got a shot off but sent the ball just wide.

The Pride finally got their first chance of the game in the 22nd minute. After Strom’s corner was cleared out of play by Reign goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, the Pride took a second corner. This one allowed Lawrence to get a header towards goal but didn’t get much power on it and it was easily cleared. The Pride kept the ball in the Reign third and Pruitt ended up with a shot, but she took it with the outside of her foot. Instead of bending it inside the far post, she sent it well wide of the target.

Two minutes later, the Reign doubled their lead. Quinn picked up the ball at midfield and sent a long, low ball past the Pride defense. Huitema easily beat Pressley to the ball, dribbled around McLeod, and passed it into the net to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.

In the 31st minute, the Reign scored the third goal of the first half. Fishlock sent a great ball into the six-yard box from the left side where Balcer beat her defender to the face of goal. The forward volleyed the ball with her shin guard, but she didn’t need much to tap it in and give the hosts a commanding 3-0 lead.

The third goal was the last chance for either team. During the final 14 minutes of the half, OL Reign controlled most of the possession but weren’t in a hurry to go forward. When the Pride had possession, the Reign remained behind the ball and allowed the Pride to pass it around the back.

“This is why we play the game. This is why we grow up wanting to play these occasions and play in these stadiums with fans and against the top teams and I felt that we got a little bit of stage fright,” Hines said about the first half. “Almost deer in headlights kind of feelings.”

At the end of the first half, OL Reign had more possession (54%-46%), shots (9-2), shots on target (3-0), crosses (7-4), and passing accuracy (80.5%-78.4%). The only attacking statistic the Pride led in was corners (2-1) and both came during the same attack.

“It was just focused on the details,” Montefusco said about the halftime message. “Want the ball, get on the ball, check your shoulder, scan. I think we were just turning into people and they were playing faster and getting in the spaces quicker than we were and we were just playing a little bit too slow. So I think we just had to get on the ball and be confident on it and do the little things right and I think we definitely did that in the second half and picked up the speed of it to match their pace of the game.”

The Reign got the first chance of the second half in the 46th minute when Lawerence fouled Rapinoe, creating a free kick. The set piece ended up with Fishlock, who took a shot, but the shot aimed for the top left corner just missed.

Hines didn’t make any changes at halftime, but brought on three substitutes in the 56th minute. Julie Doyle, Celia, and Jordyn Listro entered the game for Pruitt, Pressley, and Hanson. He made another change in the 65th minute when Haley Bugeja came on for Jenkins.

The Reign got the second shot of the half in the 73rd minute when Tziarra King created a chance seconds after coming on for Rapinoe. Fishlock found the substitute on the left side and the forward used a nice touch to flick the ball over the head of the defender to find space. She was aiming for the far post but it missed wide.

The Pride finally got their third shot of the game in the 76th minute from Listro. The second-half substitute found enough space for a shot from outside of the box but it was right at Tullis-Joyce and didn’t provide any trouble for the Reign goalkeeper.

The Pride had a couple of chances late to get a goal in the game. In the 87th minute, Dougherty Howard took a shot from outside of the box but it sailed over the crossbar. Two minutes later, Celia found Kerry Abello in the box. The substitute got her head to the ball but sent it just wide of the near post.

The Pride had much more possession in the second half, resulting in the visitors ending the game with slightly more time on the ball (50.4%-49.6%) and better passing accuracy (76%-73.7%). But the Reign had more shots (14-5), shots on target (3-1), and crosses (10-8). Additionally, both teams ended the game with a pair of corner kicks.

“Obviously, disappointing start to the game,” Hines said about the performance. “It’s never good going three goals down at halftime. But I felt that we were better in the second half. But, you know, it was too late by that time.”

With Racing Louisville’s 1-0 win over the Kansas City Current earlier in the day, the Pride dropped to 10th in the standings, finishing one point behind Louisville. They ended the season three points ahead of the Washington Spirit and nine points ahead of NJ/NY Gotham FC.

“We spoke about them,” Hines said about what he said to the players after the game. “They’ve been through hell and they saw a bit of light when we were in that run. And the message was don’t let this last end of the season dictate how far you’ve come and what you’ve gone through and the adversity that you’ve shown and the togetherness that you’ve had to bring this group together and have a direction.”

The Pride’s seventh NWSL season is over and there will be more changes in this off-season. The roster, as it stands, was not good enough to consistently compete in 2022, especially against most of the league’s better teams. There are some holes to fill up and down the roster.

The off-season should be an interesting one.

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

The Pride return home for the regular-season finale against Seattle Reign FC.

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2 hours ago

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November 2, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

Welcome to your match thread as the Orlando Pride (17-2-6, 57 points) return home to face Seattle Reign FC (6-14-5, 23 points) in the season finale. This is the second time the two teams face off this season as they complete the regular season.

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

History

The Pride and Reign have met 17 times since the Pride joined the league in 2016. The Pride hold a 3-7-7 record in those meetings, with an all-time record of 2-2-4 when hosting the Reign. All meetings between the two teams have taken place in the regular season.

The most recent meeting was on May 19 at Lumen Field in Seattle. Emily Sams opened the scoring in the ninth minute and Barbra Banda doubled the advantage minutes later. However, the Reign scored on either side of halftime through Angharad James-Turner and Bethany Balcer before Banda netted the deciding goal second half, lifting her team to a 3-2 win.

The first game between the teams in 2023 occurred on July 7 at Exploria Stadium and featured one of the best performances of the year for the Pride. Julie Doyle beat her defenders and found the head of Messiah Bright in the 16th minute for the game’s lone goal as the Pride won 1-0 for their second all-time win over the Reign. On Sept. 3 in Seattle, the Pride got off to a terrible start when goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was sent off in the third minute. Carly Nelson came in and did well in relief, but Jordyn Huitema scored in the 49th minute as the Reign won 1-0. 

The teams played for the first time in 2022 on Aug. 26 in Orlando. Meggie Dougherty Howard gave the hosts the lead, and the Pride tried to hold onto that one-goal advantage, but Megan Rapinoe found Bethany Balcer for an equalizing header. The visitors pushed for a win and Rapinoe got a goal for herself two minutes into second half injury time, lifting the Reign to a 2-1 win, snapping Orlando’s seven-match unbeaten run.

The return game was on Oct. 1, 2022 at Lumen Field in Seattle. The Pride had already been eliminated from playoff contention and it looked like it as OL Reign dominated the game. Rapinoe opened the scoring just eight minutes in, Huitema doubled the hosts’ lead soon after, and Balcer made it 3-0 just past the half-hour mark. The Pride held the Reign scoreless in the second half, but fell 3-0.

The teams played twice during the 2021 season and the first game was July 24 in Orlando. The Reign scored a goal in each half, with Jess Fishlock scoring early and Tziarra King doubling the lead just after the break in a 2-0 win. On Sept. 26 in Tacoma, WA, Balcer opened the scoring early and Eugenie Le Sommer scored a brace, giving the Reign a 3-0 lead at halftime, ultimately beating the Pride by that score.

COVID canceled the teams’ meetings in 2020, but they played three times in 2019. On April 21 in Tacoma, Alanna Kennedy gave the Pride an early lead. But Balcer equalized and the teams drew 1-1. They met again on Sept. 7 in the same location. This time, the Reign took the early lead as Darian Jenkins scored twice inside the first 12 minutes. Beverly Yanez made it 3-0 soon after, effectively putting the game away early. Camila converted a late penalty but the Reign won 3-1. The final meeting that year came on Oct. 12 in Orlando. The Pride scored first through Rachel Hill, but Jenkins and Jodie Taylor gave the visitors a 2-1 lead going into halftime. Marta equalized late and the teams drew 2-2.

The first meeting in 2018 came on April 28 in Orlando. Allie Long gave the Reign a first-half lead, but Marta equalized, resulting in a 1-1 draw. On June 3, the teams met in Seattle but neither team could find the back of the net as they ended in a scoreless draw. The final meeting that year was on July 21 in Orlando. Toni Pressley gave the Pride a first-half lead but Taylor equalized with 20 minutes remaining and the teams drew for the third time that year.

The 2017 season saw the Pride and Reign play twice, first meeting on May 21 in Seattle. Yanez gave the hosts the lead just before halftime but Marta scored just after the break and the teams drew 1-1. They met again on Sept. 7 in Orlando in a game that looked to be ending scoreless but took a surprising turn. Alex Morgan gave the Pride the late lead in second-half injury time, but Fishlock equalized two minutes later and they drew 1-1.

The first-ever meeting between the two teams occurred on May 8, 2016 in Orlando. Sarah Hagen gave the Pride an early lead and Lianne Sanderson made it 2-0 late, which was the final score. The return game in Seattle was on July 23 and was the highest-scoring game between the two teams. Kim Little and Fishlock made it 2-0 Reign at halftime. Manon Melis scored a third for the hosts. Jasmyne Spencer scored, but Kendall Fletcher made it 4-1 four minutes later. A Pressley own goal and late strike by Kristen Edmonds added one more goal to each team’s tally in a 5-2 Reign win.

Overview

The last time the Pride took their home field was on Oct. 6. The 2-0 win over the Washington Spirit clinched the NWSL Shield, giving the Pride their first-ever trophy and the top seed in the playoffs. They were 23 games unbeaten on the season before heading out on a two-game road trip.

Unfortunately, things fell apart for the Pride in their two most recent games. On Oct. 11, they fell 2-0 to the Portland Thorns in a game celebrating Christine Sinclair’s career. They followed that with arguably their worst performance of the season in New Jersey, falling 3-1 to NJ/NY Gotham FC.

Since the Pride had already clinched the top seed in the postseason, they couldn’t lose anything in those games other than the chance for the NWSL’s first unbeaten season. Tonight, they return home, where they remain unbeaten since Aug. 25, 2023 when they lost 2-1 to San Diego Wave FC. While the result won’t impact their place in the standings, they’ll want to end the regular season with momentum heading into the team’s first playoff appearance since 2017.

Tonight’s opponent has had a tough season. The Reign have had their worst campaign since 2013, the club’s inaugural season. They finished in the top four each of the past five seasons and in the top five in each of the past nine seasons. However, they’re currently in 12th and won’t qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2017.

It’s been a struggle offensively and defensively for Seattle this season. They’ve only scored 25 goals this year — fourth fewest in the league — and conceded a league-high 41 goals. Their 2-1 win over the Houston Dash on Oct. 18 broke a five-game losing streak and they’ll be looking to end the season on a high.

The most goals scored by a single Reign player through 23 games is three, a number reached by Ji So-Yun and Veronica Latsko. So-Yun also leads the team with three assists this year, a number she shares with Fishlock. Both players recorded assists when these teams met back in May.

Last week was an international break, which helped the teams heading into this game. Both had multiple regular starters away on international duty and the break allowed them to return for the regular-season finale. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines said the break was also a positive for his non-internationals.

“I would go back and say it’s probably come at a good time, the international break,” he said. “Obviously, we’ve got players representing their countries, which is amazing. But for the players who stayed here, giving them that time to reset, take in what they’ve achieved so far this year, and go after the game on Saturday against Seattle. Hopefully we’ll get a good turnout, a lot of fans out there to go out and support this team, who have achieved so much this year.”

The Pride will play tonight without Rafaelle (thigh), Megan Montefusco (heel), Luana (illness), Simone Charley (ankle), and Grace Chanda (thigh). Additionally, Carson Pickett (thigh) and Julie Doyle (illness) are listed as questionable.

Seattle will be without Ryanne Brown (knee), Quinn (head), and Olivia Van der Jagt (excused absence). Meanwhile, Ainsley McCammon (USA) is at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Projected Lineups

Orlando Pride (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Anna Moorhouse.

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

Defensive Midfielders: Morgan Gautrat, Angelina.

Midfielders: Summer Yates, Marta, Adriana.

Forward: Barbra Banda.

Seattle Reign FC (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Claudia Dickey.

Defenders: Hanna Glas, Lauren Barnes, Phoebe McClernon, Veronica Latsko.

Midfielders: Ji So-Yun, Angharad James-Turner, Olivia Athens,  

Forwards: Tziarra King, Jordyn Huitema, Ana Maria Crnogorcevic.

Referees

REF: Melinda Homa.
AR1: Ben Rigel.
AR2: Salma Perez.
4TH: Alejo Calume.
VAR: Danielle Chesky.
AVAR: Tom Felice.

How to Watch

Match Time: 5 p.m.

Venue: Inter&Co Stadium — Orlando.

TV: ION.

Streaming: None.

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

Enjoy the match. Go Pride!

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Orlando Pride Defender Megan Montefusco Announces Her Retirement

Pride center back Megan Montefusco has announced her retirement from professional soccer.

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1 day ago

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November 1, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

The Orlando Pride announced this morning that defender Megan Montefusco announced her retirement following the 2024 NWSL season. The center back began playing in the league in 2015 and joined the Pride prior to the 2022 season.

“Megan has been an important part of the Pride, both in our locker room and in the community,” Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter said in a club press release. “We want to thank her for everything she has done for the organization, Orlando, and the NWSL as a whole. Meg will always be part of our Pride family, and we look forward to supporting her as she transitions into this next stage of her life.”

“Thank you to this incredible organization, along with all the teams I’ve had the privilege to play for, for your unwavering support — not just for who I am on the field, but off it as well,” Montefusco said in the club’s press release. “A special thanks to Orlando for stepping up at this pivotal moment in my career, helping me grow beyond soccer and preparing me for the next chapter in my professional life. I am so grateful for every moment I’ve experienced in the NWSL and for all the amazing teammates that I’ve been able to share the field with. As I step away from the game I love so much, I will carry all of the memories and lessons I’ve learned along the way with me. I’m excited to take on new challenges and fully embrace the next chapter of my life.”

The Pride initially acquired Montefusco on Jan. 28, 2022, in a trade with the Houston Dash. The defender made 45 appearances in purple with 42 starts and recorded 3,773 minutes. Her lone goal for the club came in a 2023 Challenge Cup game against NJ/NY Gotham FC. She was under contract through the 2025 season.

Montefusco was a regular starter for the Pride in 2022, leading the team in minutes with 1,861 and started 21 of the 22 regular season games. She began the 2023 season as a starter, but was replaced in the lineup by Rafaelle when the Brazilian joined the club following the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Still, the center back appeared 15 times and started 12 games that season.

The 2024 season ended before it began for the 32-year-old as she underwent right foot surgery during the off-season. The operation required attention but had been put off and forced Montefusco to the injured list for the entire 2024 season.

An Illinois native, Montefusco was drafted out of UCLA by the Washington Spirit with the 13th pick of the 2015 NWSL Draft. She spent time with Australia’s Newcastle Jets, the Boston Breakers, Reign FC, and the Dash before joining the Pride.

Internationally, she represented the United States at the U-16, U-18, and U-20 youth levels. She made her national team debut on April 6, 2017, against Russia.

What It Means for Orlando

Montefusco joined the Pride following the departure of several players as the Pride began their rebuilding process. Her veteran leadership was necessary when the roster was filled with young players, helping the team make the transition. However, she was used less when the club acquired Brazilian Rafaelle to join Emily Sams as the center back pairing.

The right foot problem had been plaguing Montefusco for some time and it required surgery to heal. The operation ended her 2024 season and put into question her future playing career. The club made adjustments this season by moving left back Kylie Strom to center back and the defender has done well, moving Montefusco further down the depth chart.

The Pride have had the best defensive unit in the NWSL this season with players younger than Montefusco. As a result, it was unlikely she was going to break into the starting lineup or see much time off the bench. It was also unlikely the Pride would bring her back following the 2025 season. Instead, it opens a roster spot for the Pride this off-season.

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Orlando Pride vs. Seattle Reign: Three Keys to Victory

What do the Pride need to do to secure a win over Seattle Reign FC in the final match of the regular season?

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2 days ago

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October 31, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

The Orlando Pride return to action this Saturday, hosting Seattle Reign FC at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride are coming off two losses, but with the playoffs looming, the club will want to get back to its winning ways. Fortunately, the Pride have the opportunity to tune things up before the playoffs begin against the 12th-ranked team in the league.

Just as a reminder, if the Pride get a result, the club will set the NWSL record for most points scored in a season. What do the Pride need to do to get all three points Saturday against Seattle Reign FC?

Take Advantage of the Needed Break

Winning the NWSL Shield by going undefeated in the first 23 matches of the regular season is an incredible accomplishment, but don’t think it doesn’t take a toll mentally. As seen from the last two losses, this was a team that desperately needed a break. The international break offered a chance for the coaches and players to recharge both their physical and mental batteries. Of course, there were training sessions and a few players were away on international duty, but I’m certain there were plenty of meetings and good talks about getting back to what made the team a success this season. Putting all of that into action against the Reign will be the trick. We’ll see if the break leads to a response on the pitch.

Restore the Defensive Fortitude

During the 24-match undefeated streak — stretching back to last season — the Pride didn’t always score a ton of goals, but they did field the number one defense in the league. During the run, the Pride allowed only 13 goals. In the last two matches, the Pride allowed five goals. It’s time for the return of the stingy defense.

Emily Sams has been the key piece of the defense — so much so that she was one of the players given some rest against the Portland Thorns. Sams returns to the Pride after a USWNT call up that saw her get her first caps. Hopefully, her playing time will have her primed to lead the Pride defense back to prominence. Seattle has only scored 25 goals this season (as compared to 43 by the Pride). This is the perfect match for the Pride defense to reconnect.

Unleash the Banda

I know that Barbra Banda didn’t go anywhere, but evidently her scoring foot did. Prior to the international break back in July, Banda scored 12 goals and provided five assists. After that she scored only one goal and added one assist. The scoring drought isn’t from a lack of chances either. Now, she finds herself on the other side of an international break against a team that has given up 41 goals this season. Much like the Pride defense, this is an excellent opportunity for Banda and the Pride offense to find their scoring mojo. If they can do that, it will not only help the team against Seattle, but also heading into the playoffs.

That is what I will be looking for Saturday night. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!

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