SkoPurp Soccer Episode 27: Louisville Rewind, Houston Preview, and More

The Orlando Pride got off to a good start on Friday and things looked great. Until they didn’t. The Pride imploded after taking a 2-0 lead at Racing Louisville, handing a goal back on an ill-advised penalty just before the half, then handing the hosts a transition goal for no good reason for the equalizer in the second half. But the Pride weren’t finished. Late in the match, goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse punched the winning goal into the back of her own net on a routine, catchable corner kick cross. It was a comedy of errors and now the Pride no longer control their own destiny.

It’s the third time the team has had the opportunity to climb above the playoff line with a win since Aug. 25 and failed to do so. We break down the Pride’s loss and about how a goalkeeper that has not looked the part since her arrival — and might not even be the team’s best at the position — got a two-year contract extension and promptly handed her own team a loss for the second time in her last three matches. Oh, and we picked our Player of the Match.

This week’s mailbagbox asked us about the Pride’s midfield. It didn’t specify attacking or defensive, so we tackled both. 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.

Finally, we turned our attention to Decision Day. The Pride need to beat the Houston Dash at home and get a little help to make the postseason. It won’t be easy against the league’s best defense. We provide our key matchups and score predictions.

Here’s how Episode 27 went down:

0:15 – The Pride started brilliantly and then folded like a cheap card table in Kentucky.

25:04 – Our mailbagbox asks about Orlando’s midfield.

36:52 – Whether it’s the final game of the season or just the last match of the regular season, we’ve got matchups and predictions for Sunday against Houston.