2023 Orlando Pride Season in Review: Kaylie Collins

Kaylie Collins was selected by the Orlando Pride in the fourth round (No. 34 overall) of the 2021 NWSL Draft. The former USC Trojan began her professional career as a National Team Replacement Player, but earned a two-year contract in February 2022. After making one appearance last year, the 25-year-old goalkeeper saw more action this season.

The acquisition of Carly Nelson prior to the 2023 season meant that Collins was the third-choice goalkeeper. However, starter Anna Moorhouse struggled early, enabling Collins and Nelson to receive starts. The Pride signed Collins to a contract extension prior to the end of the season and sent her on loan to Australia’s Western Sydney Wanderers.

Let’s take a look at how Collins did this season.

Statistical Breakdown

Collins played in two games this year, a regular season 2-0 loss on April 15 to NJ/NY Gotham FC and a 4-2 Challenge Cup loss on May 10 away to the Washington Spirit. In her first game, Collins faced five shots in 90 minutes, conceding two goals and making three saves. She dropped one ball, completed all 18 short passes, and connected on seven of her 25 long balls (28%).

Her second and final start of the season saw the young goalkeeper concede goals on all four shots she faced — all high shots from outside the area. She had four catches and didn’t drop any balls, connecting on all 13 short passes and six of her 17 long passes (35.3%).

Best Game

Collins’ best game was unquestionably her regular-season match against Gotham FC. Considering the goalkeeper didn’t make a save and conceded four goals against Washington, there’s not much of a decision to make. Collins wasn’t challenged in the first half, but had to make some plays in the second 45 minutes. A Kelley O’Hara ball towards the back post for Lynn Williams in the 50th minute forced Collins to dive and tip it away. She made another good save on Midge Purce in the 80th minute, keeping the game scoreless.

Despite a pair of good saves, Collins nearly gave up a goal in the 65th minute when she gave it away to Williams. Fortunately, Caitlin Cosme got in front of a Sinead Farrelly shot. It looked like Collins would get her first career clean sheet, but her defense conceded a penalty 10 minutes into injury time that Purce converted. Williams got behind the back line seven minutes later as the Pride gave up two very late goals to fall 2-0.

2023 Final Grade

Collins didn’t play enough to get a grade for the 2023 season, receiving an incomplete for the second consecutive year. She showed signs of promise against Gotham, making some big saves. However, she also showed her lack of experience by giving the ball away in her own box when she should have sent the ball long. The club clearly sees promise in the young goalkeeper, who will likely continue to back up Moorhouse in 2024.

2024 Outlook

The Pride signed Collins to a one-year extension on Sept. 12, keeping her in purple through next season. They subsequently sent her on loan to the Western Sydney Wanderers of Australia’s A-League Women for playing time. Moorhouse and Nelson are under contract for 2024, so Collins will likely remain as Seb Hines’ third choice. It will also be more difficult for her to find playing time as the Pride will no longer compete in the Challenge Cup. But she’ll be on the roster when the 2024 NWSL season begins.

This is the first of our 2023 Orlando Pride Season in Review articles. Every player who played minutes this past season and who finished the year on the club roster will be reviewed. Players who logged fewer than 360 minutes (combined regular season plus Challenge Cup) will receive a composite score between 1 and 10 as determined by a panel of The Mane Land writers who cover the Pride, while those who did not reach that threshold will receive an incomplete grade.