Podcasts
SkoPurp Soccer Episode 31: Orlando Pride Off-Season Moves
The Pride have been quietly locking players down across multiple position groups this off-season.
Our off-season schedule continues as we reconvene for a December episode and there was more to talk about this time around. The Pride have been busy since our last show and the pattern has started to clarify what the 2024 squad will look like, as well as some of the position groups beyond the next NWSL campaign.
The discussion begins at the back as we talk about the Pride adding one goalkeeper before subtracting another, bringing that position group into focus for the season ahead (and probably beyond). We welcome Sofia Manner in from Finland and say goodbye to the departing Carly Nelson, who is returning to her native Utah.
After the goalkeeper talk, we discussed whether the Orlando Pride overachieved under Seb Hines in 2023. Did Hines get more out of his squad than we should have expected? Did he get the perfect amount? Or did he not quite get as much as the roster had to offer?
Our mailbagbox, asked us about the Pride as a holiday song, what the new midfield signings mean, and about what Haley Carter has brought to the club. 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.
After we answer the mail, we turn our attention to the back line. Orlando has been busily signing the 2023 starting back four to new deals, with three of the four now under contract through 2026, while Rafaelle is under contract through 2025. It’s clear that the club likes this group and it’s putting its money on it. If they can become even more cohesive in 2024, it’ll be a move that pays off.
Finally we turn our attention toward that midfield question from the mailbagbox. The Pride have added a pair of Brazilian internationals to the central midfield and it appears the majority of the roster is now signed through either 2025 or 2026, meaning there should be some continuity across the next couple of seasons. Angelina and Luana, meanwhile, could vastly improve the Pride’s central midfield and they should assimilate quickly since they’re used to playing between defender Rafaelle and attackers Adriana and Marta. They could help spring Orlando’s faster forwards and may also assist with helping the Pride’s fullbacks work the ball up the field with fewer turnovers.
Here’s how Episode 31 went down:
0:15 – The Orlando Pride goalkeeper position seems set for 2024, but who will win the starting job remains to be seen.
17:18 – The mailbagbox is the lifeblood of the show. Thanks for the questions!
24:06 – The Pride’s back line has no anxiety whatsoever about contracts for the next couple of years and the midfield has added even more Brazilian ingredients to the roster.