Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride Season in Review: Megan Montefusco
Veteran center back Megan Montefusco started most of the season before being replaced in the lineup by Rafaelle.
The Orlando Pride acquired Megan Montefusco from the Houston Dash prior to the 2022 NWSL season, sending Marisa Viggiano, $30,000 in Allocation Money, and a third-round NWSL Draft pick to the Texas-based side. Montefusco was a regular starter in her first season in Orlando and continued that role alongside Emily Madril for much of the 2023 season. But she was relegated to the bench when the team signed Brazilian international Rafaelle, who arrived shortly after the conclusion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Let’s take a look at the center back’s 2023 season with the Orlando Pride.
Statistical Breakdown
Montefusco took part in 15 regular-season games this year, starting 12, and recording 1,102 minutes. She was a substitute behind Caitlin Cosme in the first three games, but then started 12 consecutive before Rafaelle joined the team. She had five blocks and 17 interceptions, winning 13 of her 16 tackles (81.3%), 32 of her 34 duels (50%), and 11 of her 25 aerial duels (44%).
Going forward, the center back completed 475 of her 581 pass attempts (81.8%), 53 of her 95 long balls (55.8%), and had one key pass. As you would expect from her position, most of her passes (48.5%) were forward. She took two shots with one on target, won four fouls, and conceded six. She did not score a goal or assist on one.
Montefusco also took part in four of the team’s six Challenge Cup games, all starts, and recorded 360 minutes. She had one block and three interceptions in the competition, losing her lone tackle attempt but winning eight of her 15 duels (53.3%) and six of her seven aerial duels (85.7%). She completed 109 of her 146 passes (74.7%), 12 of her 34 long balls (35.3%), and had one key pass but no assists. The center back had one shot during the Challenge Cup, scoring her only goal of the season, won one foul, and conceded five free kicks.
Best Game
Montefusco’s most active game defensively was her best and that was on April 23 against the Kansas City Current. Despite losing the game 2-0 in Kansas, Montefusco had seven clearances, one interception, and two blocks. She had 97 touches and completed 85.4% of her 82 pass attempts. She did get beat to a cross into the box by Cece Kizer, resulting in the hosts’ second goal of the game, but had a bigger impact defensively than in any other game of the season.
2023 Final Grade
Montefusco was given a composite score of 5.5 from The Mane Land staff for the 2023 season, the same grade she received last year. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines paired Cosme and Madril to start the season, but replaced Cosme with Montefusco after three games. The rookie and veteran did well together for much of the season, but the team upgraded with Rafaelle when the Pride had a realistic chance at the playoffs.
The center back’s age showed this year as she was often unable to keep up with the league’s young strikers. As a result, Madril was the better of the pair and will be a key part of the team in the years to come. But this is still a young team, so Montefusco’s experience and leadership is valuable as the younger players continue to develop.
2024 Outlook
The Pride signed Montefusco to a contract extension on June 15, keeping her in Orlando through 2024, with a club option for 2025. In all likelihood, she’ll remain the third-choice center back next season behind Rafaelle and Madril, coming off the bench late to keep leads or replacing a tired center back.
The 31-year-old defender has been in the NWSL since 2011 and can be a leader on this young team. But with the Pride no longer taking part in the Challenge Cup, her playing time will be reduced in the coming seasons.