SkoPurp Soccer Episode 14: OL Reign Rewind, a Summer Signing, and More

The Orlando Pride just love to play teams above the playoff line. Sure, OL Reign was missing several players, but you play the schedule as it comes, and nobody was crying when Orlando had several starters missing for the World Cup or the Olympics. The Pride welcomed the Reign to Exploria Stadium and got just their second win in the all-time series, thanks to Messiah Bright providing the game’s only goal.

We discuss the team’s collective effort in jumping on the visitors early and holding them off late, and make our selections for Player of the Match.

With the two postponed Challenge Cup matches now looming on the horizon — along with two other regularly scheduled cup matches — Orlando has a unique opportunity that didn’t exist before. Rather than having to rotate the squad, Seb Hines will now have to keep his regulars fit and sharp, so the Pride suddenly have a reason to try to climb back into the race to get out of the group stage. We analyzed the Pride’s “second chance” to make some moves in the competition.

Orlando added an international attacker, as Mariana Larroquette of Argentina will be joining the team after her team’s involvement in the World Cup. We analyzed what she can bring to the Pride (experience, depth, hustle to help the team’s press, and potentially some offense as well). We think this is a good signing with little to no downside.

Finally, we answered our mailbagbox questions, which asked us to reimagine A League of Their Own as a soccer film. Remember, you can ask us anything by hitting us up on Twitter at either @TheManeLand or @SkoPurpSoccer and using the hashtag #AskSkoPurp. Or you can visit our show page, scroll down, and fill out the handy form.

Here’s how Episode 14 went down:

0:15 – The Pride jumped on the Reign early and despite not finding any insurance goals, Orlando was able to hold on for another shutout win.

20:51 — Transfer news! For the second straight week, we’ve got an international signing to discuss.

29:20 – A new lease on life in the NWSL Challenge Cup, and our mailbagbox.