Orlando Pride
Top 10 Moments of 2022: Pride Reel Off Seven-Game Unbeaten Streak
As we count down to the new year of 2023 — which will be Orlando City’s ninth in MLS and the Orlando Pride’s eighth in the NWSL — and say goodbye to 2022, it’s time to look back at the club’s 10 best moments of the year as selected by The Mane Land staff via vote.
The 2022 NWSL season was one of rebuilding for the Orlando Pride. The team got rid of several veterans as it built for the future. It looked to be a dismal year that was bound to end with the team finishing in last. Instead the Pride went on an unexpected seven-game unbeaten run that claimed the sixth spot on our list of the top 10 moments of 2022.
New Pride Head Coach Amanda Cromwell was placed on administrative leave, along with Assistant Coach Sam Greene, on June 7 for retaliatory conduct. Michelle Akers and Aline Reis, both of whom were brought in by Cromwell, took personal time off. As a result, former Lion and assistant coach Seb Hines was the only staff member left and was named interim head coach. Hines’s tenure at the helm didn’t start off well with a pair of road losses, falling 1-0 to the Chicago Red Stars and getting thrashed by the Portland Thorns 6-0. But then things changed.
The Pride took part in the inaugural Daytona SoccerFest ahead of the Fourth of July, playing the first professional soccer game at a speedway. On July 3, the Pride took on Racing Louisville at Daytona International Speedway.
The visitors took the advantage in the 34th minute when Emina Ekic gave Louisville the lead. Shortly after halftime, Savannah DeMelo doubled the advantage and it looked like it would be another loss for Orlando. But the Pride responded well, with Darian Jenkins assisting Kylie Strom in the 59th minute and getting a goal of her own 10 minutes later. The game ended in a 2-2 draw, ending the team’s three-game losing streak.
The Pride got their second consecutive result less than a week later on July 8 when an Ally Prisock own goal in the 79th minute saw Orlando take a 1-0 win over the Houston Dash at Exploria Stadium.
After a scoreless draw against the Washington Spirit, the Pride looked like they’d get their second win of the unbeaten run when they faced the Kansas City Current at Children’s Mercy Park on July 31. Celia scored her first goal for the Pride in the 25th minute and rookie forward Julie Doyle scored her first professional goal just after halftime. But the hosts came back with goals from Elyse Bennett in the 57th minute and Cece Kizer in the 82nd minute, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
On Aug. 7, the Pride returned home to face league newcomers Angel City FC. It was a familiar face that gave the visitors the lead in the 40th minute when Ali Riley scored. But Julie Doyle struck just after coming on the field in the 64th minute, tying the game at one. Cari Roccaro retook the lead for the visitors in the 72nd minute, but the Pride responded. A dangerous cross by Kerry Abello was redirected by Paige Nielsen past DiDi Haracic right in front of goal for another 2-2 draw.
The most surprising result came in the next game away to the league-leading San Diego Wave FC on Aug. 13. The game included three former Pride players in the opposition’s starting lineup, including Alex Morgan, Emily van Egmond, and Taylor Kornieck. Additionally, Jodie Taylor was on the bench but didn’t come into the game.
The difference in this one came in the 22nd minute when Christen Westphal knocked down a Doyle cross with her outstretched left arm. The referee didn’t hesitate to point to the spot, giving the Pride a chance for a first-half lead. Meggie Dougherty Howard put the penalty past Kailen Sheridan into the corner, making it 1-0 Pride.
The Wave dominated the rest of the game, looking for an equalizer. Kornieck and Morgan had several chances each, with Morgan hitting the woodwork twice after the penalty. With her earlier ball off the post, she hit the frame three times in 90 minutes. But the Pride were able to hold on for an incredible 1-0 win over the highly-favored Southern Californian side.
Riding high following the win over San Diego, the Pride headed back east to take on NJ/NY Gotham FC in Chester, PA. The Pride were unquestionably the better team in this game against the worst team in the league. Celia gave the Pride the lead shortly after halftime and newly-acquired forward Ally Watt doubled the lead in the 73rd minute. Kristie Mewis got one back for the hosts two minutes later, but it wasn’t enough as the Pride won 2-1.
It was the first time the Pride won back-to-back games since late May 2021 when they won three in a row with a much more experienced team. Additionally, it was the first time since 2017 that the team had won consecutive games away from Orlando. The seven-game unbeaten run tied for the longest such run since 2017, when the Pride made their lone playoff appearance. The team had a nine-game unbeaten run to end that season and a seven-game unbeaten run to start the 2021 campaign.
The Pride returned home following the Gotham win but that’s when the streak ended. Dougherty Howard gave the Pride another lead in the 37th minute against OL Reign, but two of the league’s best players took over in the second half. Megan Rapinoe assisted Bethany Balcer with a great individual effort in the 54th minute and broke Orlando hearts with a winner two minutes into second-half injury time.
The Pride had trouble recovering with the end of the streak, experiencing four consecutive losses and losing five of their last six games. But the unbeaten run had a huge impact on the club and its fans.
There was a lot of negativity surrounding the club prior to the unbeaten run. Fans weren’t happy with the club’s decision to part with its longtime stars following the 2021 campaign and an unfounded Twitter rumor of a sale and relocation forced the club to respond. The actions of Cromwell and Greene put a club that had previously avoided involvement in the league-wide abuse scandals front and center, creating further dissatisfaction among fans.
In addition to the enjoyment of a seven-game unbeaten run, the streak came with Hines at the helm, someone who had been with the club since he was a player in 2015 and a Pride assistant since 2018. The players spoke regularly about how much they enjoyed playing for Hines and his emergency assistant coaches, Giles Barnes and Miguel Gallardo. Quickly, there was much more positivity around the club. Rather than worrying about the future, there’s now far more optimism about the team.
The Pride entered the 2022 NWSL season in the early stages of a full rebuild, so there were never going to be many positive moments. But the team’s seven-game unbeaten run turned around a problematic season and gave the fans something in which to take pride. As a result, there’s no question this streak deserves a spot on our top 10 moments of 2022.
Come back through New Year’s Eve as we count down the remainder of Orlando City’s top 10 moments of 2022.
Previous Top Moments of 2022
10. OCB nabs first win in MLS NEXT Pro play after joining the new league.
9. Orlando City signs Facundo Torres as a Young Designated Player ahead of the 2022 season.
8. Tesho Akindele establishes “Tesho Time” with late winners in consecutive games against Charlotte and New York City FC.
7. Jack Lynn scores 15 goals in a record-setting season with Orlando City B.
Orlando Pride
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.
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!
Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride Defender Megan Montefusco Announces Her Retirement
Pride center back Megan Montefusco has announced her retirement from professional soccer.
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.
Orlando Pride
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?
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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