2023 Orlando Pride Season in Review: Amanda Allen

The Orlando Pride signed Canadian international forward Amanda Allen on April 3 to a three-year contract through the 2025 NWSL season. The 18-year-old was an interesting signing and, when paired with last year’s signing of Haley Bugeja, it demonstrated that the Pride have their eyes on building for the future and are willing to take chances on younger players they think will develop into future starters. While Allen didn’t earn regular minutes in her first pro season, she did make her initial strides toward developing into the player the club envisions.

Let’s take a look at her first year in Orlando.

Statistical Breakdown

Allen appeared in three regular season matches for a total of just nine minutes and, as such, barely registered any stats at all. She didn’t score or assist on a goal, did not attempt a shot, was offside once, and completed her only pass attempt. Allen did not tally any defensive stats in the regular season.

The 18-year-old made three appearances in NWSL Challenge Cup play, starting one and playing 91 total minutes. Despite playing in an attacking position, Allen provided no goal contributions, attempted no shots, and attempted just two crosses (both unsuccessful). She passed with 66.7% accuracy in her own half and 53.8% in the attacking half. She registered no clearances, blocks, or interceptions defensively, but won two of her three tackle attempts and six of 16 (37.5%) duels. Allen neither won nor conceded a foul and was not booked.

Best Game

With a small sample size and very little statistical data to dissect, I’ll go with her 61-minute runout as a starter on May 10 in the 4-2 NWSL Challenge Cup loss to the Washington Spirit. Not only was it Allen’s longest appearance of the season — and therefore the most valuable game experience of her first season — she managed to at least attempt a shot in the match, but it was blocked. She completed nine of her 15 passes (60%) but was better in the final third, completing three of four attempts (75%). Other than that, she didn’t record anything of note in terms of stats. She was subbed off just after the hour mark for National Team Replacement Player Maliah Morris.

2023 Final Grade

Allen didn’t play enough minutes to qualify for a grade for the 2023 season, receiving an incomplete in her first season in purple. That might be a good thing, as she hardly registered any statistical data in her 100 combined minutes of competitive play. However, it’s unfair to expect a teenager to instantly make a positive impact in her initial professional games.

2024 Outlook

Allen, who will turn 19 in February, is a player the Pride are clearly willing to take their time in developing, which is why she received a three-year contract. It would be presumptuous to say that Allen projects as a starter in 2024, but the Pride will be looking for her to develop her game and at least compete for more minutes next season. Without a Challenge Cup competition, it will be more difficult for Allen to get competitive minutes, but if she is the player the Pride think she is, it’s not out of the question to expect that she can become at least a key backup and spot starter despite her young age. It’s ultimately up to her to develop her game with the help of her coaches and teammates.

Previous Season in Review Articles (Date Posted)

• Kaylie Collins (10/23/23)