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Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Red Stars: Final Score 1-1 as Pride Draw Third Straight

The Pride claimed their third straight result with a 1-1 draw against the Chicago Red Stars.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

The Orlando Pride (0-0-3, 3 points) tied their third straight game to start the 2024 NWSL season with a 1-1 draw against the Chicago Red Stars (2-0-1, 7 points). An Angelina corner kick was headed in by Taylor Malham for an own goal in the 21st minute and Mallory Swanson struck in the 64th minute to equalize. 

The Pride welcomed back a pair of regular starters for this game as Emily Sams returned from an illness and Kylie Strom from a red card suspension. Head Coach Seb Hines made three changes to the team that drew 1-1 with Angel City FC last weekend in the home opener. In addition to Sams and Strom, Luana returned to the starting lineup in place of Haley McCutcheon, Celia, and Julie Doyle.

“I think they did great last week and I think it just shows too how versatile we are,” Sams said about the lineup changes. “And, you know, we have that depth. So good on us and good for the players that are stepping in and seamlessly filling those roles and doing well.”

The back four in front of goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was Brianna Martinez, Sams, Strom, and Kerry Abello. Morgan Gautrat and Luana were the defensive midfielders behind Adriana, Marta, and Angelina with Ally Watt alone up top for the second consecutive game.

The Pride dominated large portions of this game, possessing the ball for more time and creating many more chances than the opposition. However, they had problems breaking down the Red Stars’ low block and their lack of finishing was detrimental, keeping the visitors in the game. Rather than building a multi-goal lead, they kept a one-goal advantage until the Red Stars found an equalizer in the second half.

The visitors had the first decent attack in the third minute when Swanson won the ball on the left and dribbled towards the end line. Ally Schlegel, Abello, and Moorhouse arrived at the ball in the six-yard box at the same time, colliding together. While Schlegel and Abello got up, Moorhouse remained down holding the back of her head. However, the Pride goalkeeper passed the concussion test and was able to continue.

The Pride had their first good chance in the 14th minute when Marta’s shot from the top of the box was blocked. Luana quickly won it back and her deflected pass ended up with Angelina. The Brazilian shot from just outside of the box, but the attempt was over the crossbar.

In the 18th minute, Chicago was awarded a free kick when Martinez knocked Nadia Gomes down from behind. The set piece into the mixer bounced around before it was laid back for Cari Roccaro just outside the box. However, the midfielder sent the shot over the crossbar for a goal kick.

The Pride converted in the 21st minute when Malham knocked the ball out for a corner kick. Angelina sent the ball to the near post, where Alyssa Naeher, Malham, and Watt were converging. It looked as though Naeher was there to punch it away, but Malham got her head to it first. Unfortunately for the Red Stars left back, the ball went off the top of her head and in for an own goal, giving the Pride their first lead of the 2024 NWSL season.

“I think that’s what we want. We want to obviously take the game to the opponent,” Gautrat said about taking the lead for the first time this season. “And for us, I think we have a lot of new players that are starting to gel together even more and figuring out what we like and what we don’t like and how each other plays. And I think scoring goals in this league is the hardest thing to do. So for us, I feel like for us to go up was great and then to feel that I think is what we want every single game. But obviously heading into these next games, I feel like it’s hopefully going to just click for us to score more goals.”

It was also the third consecutive goal scored by the Pride from a set piece, a first in team history. In the season opener in Louisville, a late free kick was flicked on for Summer Yates, who put in the equalizer. Last weekend, an Angelina corner was converted by Marta, and it was Angelina’s set piece tonight that resulted in the record-setting goal.

The hosts almost doubled their lead three minutes later when Marta sent a dangerous ball into the Red Stars’ box. Sam Staab was the first to the cross and her clearance attempt was headed towards the goal, but went wide of the post.

In the 26th minute, Adriana found space to send an excellent cross into the Chicago box. The ball was aimed for Watt’s head and the forward was nearly able to redirect it on goal, but the ball was just over her head.

A minute later, Angelina laid the ball back for Marta just outside of the box. The Pride captain took a shot that went just over the crossbar. The Pride players appealed for a corner, claiming Naeher tipped it, but referee Anya Voigt awarded a goal kick.

Chicago had a great chance to equalize in the 30th minute when Schlegel got behind Strom. Sent through by Julia Bianchi, the forward had an open shot on goal, but sent the attempt straight to the chest of Moorhouse, enabling the Pride goalkeeper to make an easy stop.

The Pride were definitely the better team in the first half, with more possession (57.2%-42.8%), shots (9-5), corner kicks (6-0), crosses (11-3), and passing accuracy (85.1%-80.3%). However, each team only had one shot on target and an own goal was the difference in the first 45 minutes.

Hines made a halftime substitution and it wasn’t a surprising one. Martinez had a difficult first half and was replaced by regular starting right back McCutcheon.

Chicago had more attacking chances to start the second half, keeping the ball in the Pride half. However, the Red Stars were unable to create any good opportunities from their possession. The first shot for the visitors came in the 56th minute, when the ball ended up with Bike just outside of the box, but the midfielder’s shot was soft and right into the arms of Moorhouse.

On the other end, Marta collected the ball at the top of the Red Stars’ box and attempted to double the Pride lead by curling the ball around Naeher and inside the far post. However, she couldn’t get around the ball enough, sending it wide.

Little happened in the early minutes of the second half, but Chicago found its equalizer in the 64th minute. The play started deep in the Red Stars’ half as the visitors carefully worked the ball up the right. A crucial missed tackle by Sams near the Pride box opened space for Bike to find Swanson entering the 18. The USWNT attacker controlled the ball and quickly shot for the far post, getting the ball around Moorhouse and inside the far post to even the game at 1-1.

“I think maybe it was just the way they came out. I think a 1-0 lead is fragile,” Sams said about Chicago’s attack early in the second half. “So I think, as I said, we’ve just got to come out and protect that as best we can. I think we knew they were going to press a little bit harder. So I think the 1-0 lead, we’ve got to protect that and so I think we just got to figure out how to come out faster and harder.”

Hines made his second substitution shortly after the goal, replacing Watt with Doyle.

In the 71st minute, Luana was booked for taking down halftime substitute Jameese Joseph. That was the last action by the defensive midfielder as she was immediately replaced by Yates.

The Pride had a quick succession of shots in the 76th minute when Marta sent Yates through. Her shot to the near post was blocked by Naeher, but only to Doyle in front of goal. Natalia Kuikka blocked that shot, which went directly behind Doyle to Adriana. The Brazilian’s first touch was another shot, but Kuikka did well to get up and block the third attempt, keeping the score at 1-1.

A minute later, Marta sent a long ball for Yates, who had gotten behind Kuikka. The defender lowered her shoulder into the second-year midfielder and Yates went down. Voigt allowed play to continue and the video assistant referee took a look at it when the ball next went out of play. After a lengthy review, Voigt was called to the monitor to check on a possible red card on Kuikka for denial of a goal scoring opportunity. As if the stoppage of play wasn’t long enough, Voigt was at the monitor for an unusually long amount of time reviewing the play. When it was all said and done, the referee determined that it wasn’t a red card.

“I think it’s, especially with VAR, sometimes it’s an emotional roller coaster, because what we see on the field and then obviously the referee has to make a decision and it was a longer stoppage of play, which sometimes people get cold but you have to stay focused,” Gautrat said about the extended review. “And obviously this one didn’t go our way unfortunately, but for us it was just whenever the call that was made, we have to focus and we have to push through.”

Play continued with a Red Stars throw in and they immediately created a chance. After the initial throw by Staab was blocked, she sent a cross into the box that found the head of Ally Cook. The header was towards goal, but over the crossbar.

Largely due to the extended review, Voigt added 10 minutes to the second half. Halfway through stoppage time, the Pride had a chance when Stabb fouled Adriana, resulting in a booking. Angelina took the set piece, which found the head of Adriana near the six-yard box, but the attempt was into the arms of Naeher.

Just before the set piece, Hines made his final change of the game, bringing Amanda Allen on for Gautrat.

In the final minute of stoppage time, Marta was fouled by Sarah Griffith just outside of the box. Angelina lifted the free kick and Doyle put it on goal, but Naeher was there to make the stop. That was the final attempt by either team as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

At full time, the Pride led most statistical categories. They had more possession (59.2%-40.8%), shots (21-9), corners (6-2), crosses (19-16), and passing accuracy (85.6%-79,4%). Meanwhile, both teams put three shots on target.

“I felt that we controlled the majority of the game. I thought we got into some really good areas. I think the last part of that is to get more shots on frame and make the goalkeeper work a little bit harder,” Hines said about the performance. “But overall, I was pleased with the attitude, the desire to go and try and win the game. Chicago were coming into this game top of the table, two games and six points. So we knew that was going to be a difficult game. We knew that they were going to be stubborn and trying to have us break them down. But, you know, it’s defined by fine margins and we continue to grow and, you know, we’re still unbeaten. So you take the positives and we move forward and look forward to the next game.”

The main takeaway from the game was the missed chances by the Pride. Chicago deployed a low block, staying behind the ball and forcing the Pride to take low-percentage shots. As a result, the Pride only put three of their 21 shots on target, enabling the Red Stars to stay in the game.

“They have to reward themselves by putting the ball in the goal or getting the shots off,” Hines said about how to approach such a situation. “We get into really good areas. And it’s hard, you know, it’s really hard to break down a low block when they’ve got so many bodies behind the ball. It’s you almost asking for perfection at times and so we just keep continuing that message.”

While this game will be seen as two points lost, th Pride have now claimed points in all three games this season. They’ve also had all-around better performances week to week. As Hines said, the goal now is to figure out how to put teams away when they dominate possession and chances to take maximum points.


The Pride will have an extended break before they take the field again on April 12 in Utah. Their next home game will be the following weekend against the San Diego Wave.

Orlando Pride

Orlando Pride Midfielder Luana Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

The Brazilian has been placed on the Season-Ending Injury List.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

The Orlando Pride announced this morning that midfielder Luana has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, explaining her recent string of excused absences. The Brazilian international has been placed on the Season-Ending Injury list and will immediately begin chemotherapy treatment with the club’s official medical partner, Orlando Health Cancer Institute.   

This news explains Angelina’s celebration on Friday when the midfielder scored her first goal with the Pride. Angelina got onto a ball into the box from Barbra Banda, scored, and made an ‘L’ with her hand. This was obviously a tribute to her teammate both with Orlando and Brazil.

“As a professional athlete I have faced many challenges, on and off the field. I have always fought with courage and determination, and this time will be no different,” Luana said in a club press release. “I really appreciate the support of my family and friends who have strengthened me in this moment. I also want to thank Brazil’s National Team and Orlando Pride for their unconditional support. I kindly ask that my privacy be respected at this time.” 

“On behalf of our club, players, and the entire Orlando community, I want to extend our unwavering commitment to Luana as she begins her treatment,” Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter said in the club’s press release. “We are thankful to have some of the best medical resources available through our partners at Orlando Health, and we are prepared to do all we can to care for Luana in this moment. We fight our battles together, on and off the field, and the Orlando Pride athletes and staff will be side-by-side with Luana and unified in our support of her throughout this process.”

The Pride signed Luana to a two-year deal through 2025 with a club option year for 2026 on Dec. 14, 2023, bringing her in as part of a complete rebuild of the central midfield, which also included the signings of Angelina and Morgan Gautrat. The move has paid early dividends, with only three clubs allowing fewer goals than Orlando through six matches in 2024.

Luana appeared in the team’s first three games (two starts) prior to her diagnosis and played 192 minutes. The the São Paulo, Brazil native, who will turn 31 on Thursday, has yet to contribute a goal or assist, but as a defensive midfielder, that’s not her primary job. She has passed at an 81% success rate, contributing two tackles and three interceptions. Luana has been cautioned twice, committing five fouls, while drawing six on the opposition.

What It Means for Orlando

This news is awful, and the important thing is not how the loss of a player’s services affects the team on the field. It goes beyond that, obviously, and the important thing is that Luana gets the treatment she needs. The hope is that her condition was caught early and that her treatment is successful.

Without Luana available, the club’s depth will be tested throughout 2024. The Pride will hope to get Gautrat healthy and back on the pitch soon, after she has missed the last two matches with a lower leg injury and has been listed as questionable on the availability report. Angelina and Haley McCutcheon have played as the central midfield partnership the last two matches. While the duo has performed well together, especially in the shutout win over San Diego, the team has missed Gautrat’s control on the ball and ability to anticipate what the opposition will do.

On behalf of The Mane Land, I want to wish Luana and her medical team well on her treatment. Although we want to see her back on the pitch, it is far more important that she beats her illness and regains her health.

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Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit: Final Score 3-2 as Pride Win Third Straight

Despite a second-half goalkeeper error and a red card, the Pride held on to beat the Washington Spirit away from home.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

The Orlando Pride (3-0-3, 12 points) won their third consecutive game and second away from home with a hard-fought 3-2 win over the Washington Spirit (4-2-0, 12 points) at Audi Field. Angelina, Barbra Banda, and Summer Yates scored for the Pride while the Spirit goals came from Ouleye Sarr and an Anna Moorhouse gaffe that was credited to Ashley Hatch.

Pride Head Coach Seb Hines had a weakened team for this game with Marta and Adriana both out injured. However, Rafaelle returned to the starting lineup and Banda got her first start for the team. The inclusion of Rafaelle saw Abello move to her natural attacking position and Kylie Strom back to her usual left back position.

The back line in front of Moorhouse was Strom, Rafaelle, Emily Sams, and Bri Martinez. Angelina and Haley McCutcheon were in the defensive midfield behind an attacking midfield of Julie Doyle, Yates, and Abello with Banda up top.

Washington dominated the first 20 minutes of the game and it appeared as though it would be a long night for the Pride. But Orlando held much more possession after Angelina’s goal and looked much more threatening in the attack. Up 3-1, a Moorhouse mistake got the Spirit back into the game and they struggled to hold onto a 3-2 lead when Martinez was sent off for a second yellow. But they withstood the constant attack by the opposition in second-half stoppage time, taking home all three points.

The hosts had the first decent attack in the second minute when Trinity Rodman received the ball from Sarr and carried it towards the end line. However, Martinez did well to keep up and knocked the ball out for a corner kick. Andi Sullivan’s ensuing set piece didn’t amount to anything and the Pride were able to clear.

In the ninth minute, Paige Metayer was sent down the right by Rodman. Cutting inside to beat Sams, Metayer passed it over for Sarr, but the striker slipped while attempting to shoot and sent the ball directly to Moorhouse.

Rodman was again involved in a chance for the Spirit in the 16th minute. However, this time it was an individual effort. Receiving the ball on the left, the midfielder cut inside for some space and fired a shot between two defenders from the top corner of the box. It was an ambitious attempt, but the attacker struck it well and forced Moorhouse into a diving stop.

The Pride had their first decent chance in the 19th minute when Angelina lifted the ball into the Spirit box looking for Doyle, who was making a run. Unfortunately, the cross was too close to Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, who easily collected it.

The Spirit dominated the first 20 minutes, but the visitors scored first against the run of play in the 22nd minute. It started on the right when Yates won the ball from Hal Hershfelt. The midfielder sent it down the right, where Banda beat her defender, retrieving the ball before it reached the end line. The Zambian international quickly sent a cross toward the penalty spot where Angelina was darting in. The Brazilian met the ball just as it hit the ground, striking it beyond the reach of Kingsbury and into the corner to give the Pride the 1-0 lead.

“It was a good play because I made an effort to make that play,” Banda said about her assist.
“And I think definitely my teammates were aware that maybe I ought to put a cross, which definitely I did and it was so amazing.”

“It’s a great ball from Barbara to Ang,” Hines added. “And it was a great finish.”

The Spirit immediately went forward after the restart, looking to take back control of the game. Sarr got a shot off in traffic, but it was blocked. The rebound went right to Sullivan and the defensive midfielder fired from long distance, sending it well over the target.

Rodman had been quiet after the Pride goal, but made a good run in the 36th minute that included a give-and-go with Croix Bethune. Rodman sent a cross for Bethune that was intercepted by Angelina. However, Hershfelt took possession and shot from outside of the box, sending the ball wide.

In the 38th minute, chaos in the Spirit box nearly resulted in a second goal for the Pride. It started when Annaig Butel beat Banda to the ball and knocked it out for a corner kick. The ensuing set piece was just over the fingers of Kingsbury and landed at Abello with her back to goal. Unfortunately, she didn’t have room to turn, dropping it to McCutcheon at the top of the box instead. McCutcheon’s shot was blocked by Hershfelt, but Yates sent the ball back into the box and, after bouncing around some more, ended up with Banda, who got a shot off. However, her attempt was just over the crossbar.

Shortly after the Pride narrowly missed out on doubling their lead, Washington found its equalizer. Sams lost the ball near midfield to Bethune, who quickly played it forward for Sarr. Rafaelle slid in an attempt to intercept the pass, but missed and Sarr was in on goal. Moorhouse looked indecisive about coming out, enabling Sarr to chip the goalkeeper and even the game at 1-1.

A minute later, the Spirit had a chance to take the lead when Rodman sent Bethune behind the Pride defense on the right. The midfielder opened up her body in an attempt to curl the ball inside the far post, but it was too close to Moorhouse, who was able to catch the attempt.

In the 43rd minute, Sullivan sent the ball forward for Sarr, who was defended by McCutcheon. Entering the box, McCutcheon attempted a tackle that resulted in Sarr going to the ground as she sent the ball across the goal mouth. After a check by the video assistant referee, Rebecca Pagan went to the monitor to check for a potential penalty, but determined the play was offside.

That was the final chance for either team as the game went into halftime even at 1-1. After 45 minutes of play, Washington had more possession (56%-44%), shots (7-5), and shots on target (5-4), and better passing accuracy (79%-76%). The Pride had more crosses (5-4), and both teams took one corner kick.

“First half, it was real quiet and we kind of let the crowd take over. But in the locker room we were like, we’ve got to talk, we’ve got to demand more of each other,” Doyle said about the mood at halftime. “We’ve got to throw in some tackles. I think we’re just, including myself, being way too soft first half.”

It didn’t take long for the Pride to strike in the second half. In the 49th minute, Martinez sent a cross into the box that went just over the head of Yates. Abello recovered the ball on the far side and attempted a cross, but Gabby Carle blocked it out of play.

The ensuing corner kick by Yates was to the near post where it found Doyle. The midfielder flicked it on for Banda who headed the ball in for her first NWSL goal and gave the Pride a 2-1 lead.

“Actually, I didn’t expect it,” Banda said about her goal. “But I think it went according to the plan from training because I think I took the position I was told to pick and I definitely picked that spot and I put the ball in the back of the net.”

“It’s something we’ve been working on in practice and it was working,” Doyle said about the play designed on the training field. “Summer said she meant to play me the ball near post. She saw that I was wide open and I know I just got to flick it in into the squad and I was just so happy for Barbara to finish that because that wasn’t an easy finish and she made it look easy.”

Yates nearly had a goal of her own in the 53rd minute when Angelina sent a dangerous cross into the box. The second-year midfielder made a great run through three defenders, but the cross was too close to Kingsbury, who grabbed it.

A minute later, the Pride had an even better chance when they won a penalty. It started when a poor clearance was won by Yates in the box. Her first touch was controlled by Banda, who took a dribble to beat Butel. The center back attempted a clumsy challenge, taking the forward down. Pagan didn’t hesitate to point to the spot, giving the Pride an excellent chance to take a two-goal lead.

Angelina initially held the ball near penalty spot, but handed it off to Yates to take the kick. Despite her youth, Yates was very confident, sending Kingsbury the wrong way and putting a strong shot into the left corner to give her team a commanding 3-1 lead.

Up two goals, Hines made his first change of the game in the 64th minute. After another excellent performance, Yates was replaced by forward Ally Watt.

In the 65th minute, the Spirit got one back, though not really through their own efforts. Hatch, a regular starter that came on at halftime, sent a long, looping shot towards the far post. It was an easy play for Moorhouse and the goalkeeper should’ve caught the ball. But it went right through her hands and into the far side of the goal, cutting the deficit in half.

Rodman had a chance to equalize in the 68th minute when she received the ball on the right from Casey Krueger. The attacker dribbled inside against McCutcheon, who didn’t close her down, and got a shot off. However, Sams did well to come over and block the shot over the goal.

In the 74th minute, Doyle found Banda on the left. The forward beat substitute Anna Heilferty and sent a cross across the mouth of the goal, but nobody in orange was there to get on the end of it. Watt initially won possession and lost it to Krueger. However, she quickly won it back and played it to Doyle, who immediately laid it off for Banda. The striker sent another ball towards goal but right to Kingsbury.

Hines made two more changes in the 81st minute and they were defensive ones. Defenders Carrie Lawrence and Cori Dyke replaced midfielders Angelina and Doyle. It was Dyke’s professional debut and Lawrence’s first appearance since tearing her ACL prior to the 2023 NWSL season.

“Carrie’s one of the longest serving players here and it’s a big moment for her,” Hines said after the game. “I know she’s gone through a lot all of last year missing out, watching the team go out there and perform, and just biding her time, being patient. And we felt today was the right moment for her to come on and make a difference. And it’s a big moment for her. We’re super proud of her and it takes a lot of dedication to put yourself in that position. So yeah, we’re pleased with her and also there’s Cori Dyke getting her debut as well, because I know she’s been patiently waiting for a moment and her opportunity.”

As the clock ticked past 90 minutes, a Pride corner kick was cleared out. Rodman sprinted out on the break, chased down by Martinez. The defender grabbed at her and Rodman went down. Since Martinez was playing on a yellow, Pagan took her time to consider her decision, but eventually pulled out the card. The second booking for Martinez meant the Pride were down to 10 players for the 11 minutes of stoppage time.

Hines made his final change in the sixth minute of stoppage time. It was a defensive move as left back Celia came into the game, replacing Abello.

The Spirit nearly found an equalizer in the seventh minute, when Hatch hit the crossbar on the half valley. The ball bounced to Metayer, who beat Sams to it, but her header was over the goal.

In the 10th minute of stoppage time, a ball into the box was flicked on by the head of Sullivan. Rodman got her head onto it and put it on goal, but couldn’t get much on the attempt, enabling Moorhouse to make the easy stop.

It was a long time to hold onto a one-goal lead with 10 players and they almost conceded an equalizer, but the final whistle gave the Pride a 3-2 win.

“I trust them. They’ve been through enough scenarios like that,” Hines said about holding onto the one-goal lead with 10 players. “It’s a mentality. You have to embrace it. You have to take the bull by its horns, it’s coming. You know that Washington are a direct team, they’re gonna push numbers forward. They’re going to be very physical and I thought for some periods of the game, we stood up to that challenge. Certainly at the end with 10 players and your backs are against the wall and you’re having to deal with the directness and putting your body on the line and I felt the players did a terrific job in handling that.  We obviously rode our luck as well with them hitting the crossbar, but you need a little bit of luck at times as well.”

At full time, Washington had more possession (59%-41%), shots (16-9), and shots on target (11-7), and better passing accuracy (80%-69%). The Pride ended the game with more corner kicks (4-3) and crosses (16-9).

“More relief than anything,” Hines said about the result. “If we dissect the game, I thought we started, although we took the lead, I thought we started slow. We didn’t really start ourselves. We were very lethargic. I thought Washington started on the front foot, putting us under real pressure.

“I think the disappointing part from our side is that we gifted them two goals today. In this league, you can’t give teams goals because they’ll punish you. And so it’s a good reminder that we have to keep our standards high. Stick to who we are, stick to our identity. And I’m super proud of the players to not only see the game out 3-2, but with 10 players also. It shows another side to our game. So I’m super proud of them and their efforts and everything that they put into the game today.”

The Pride have now won three consecutive games, including two on the road, and are still unbeaten through the first six games this season. They’re one of three unbeaten teams (pending the Kansas City Current’s outcome) in the NWSL, along with the Current and Racing Louisville FC. It’s the team’s longest unbeaten run and winning streak since 2022.


This is the first of three games in 10 days for the Pride. They’ll return home on Wednesday night as they host the North Carolina Courage.

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Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More

The Pride look to extend their two-game winning streak as they travel north to face the Washington Spirit.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

The Orlando Pride (2-0-3, 9 points) look to extend their two-game winning streak and five-game unbeaten run as they face the Washington Spirit (4-1-0, 12 points) at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. This is the first of two regular-season games the Pride and Spirit will play, with the return game in Orlando scheduled for Oct. 6.

Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s contest.

History

The Pride and Spirit have faced off 23 times since the Pride joined the NWSL in 2016. Orlando has a record of 7-9-7 in all competitions against Washington. This includes a 6-6-6 record in NWSL play and a 2-6-2 record in Washington.

The last time these teams met in 2023 came on Aug. 4 in Orlando in the NWSL Challenge Cup. The game appeared to be headed for a scoreless draw until the eighth minute of second-half injury time, when Mariana Speckmaier scored to give the hosts a 1-0 win

The teams met three other times last season, facing each other on May 10 at Audi Field in the NWSL Challenge Cup, and on May 20 at Exploria Stadium and July 1 at Audi Field in regular-season play. The May 10 meeting saw the Pride dominate the Spirit away from home. Julie Doyle got the Pride off to a great start, scoring a brace inside 16 minutes. A Tara McKeown own goal in the second half secured the 3-0 Orlando win.

The meeting prior to the July game capped off the Pride’s four-game unbeaten run in May. Marta converted a penalty to give Orlando the lead, but Sam Staab equalized five minutes later. Kylie Strom’s goal gave the Pride the surprising 2-1 win over one of the top teams in the league.

The teams were heavily rotated in their Challenge Cup game 10 days prior. However, the Pride got off to a great start when Tori Hansen scored early on a backheel. But the hosts took over late in the first half with long-distance goals by Lena Silano, Staab, and Marissa Sheva. Ally Watt got one back early in the second half, but Ashley Sanchez put it away in second-half injury time, resulting in a 4-2 loss for the Pride.

The teams met on July 17, 2022 at Audi Field. The Spirit dominated the game statistically, with more possession, shots, and shots on target, but they couldn’t find the back of the net, resulting in a scoreless draw.

The previous game was on May 27, 2022 at Exploria Stadium. Trinity Rodman gave the Spirit the lead early and Ashley Hatch doubled the lead after halftime. As the game entered second-half stoppage time, it appeared as though the Pride would fall for the second straight time, but a pair of late goals by Mikayla Cluff and Darian Jenkins stunned Washington with a 2-2 draw.

Prior to the draw in May, the Pride and Spirit played two games in the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup. The first was on March 19 in Orlando. The Pride had less possession and fewer shots, but a strong defensive effort allowed them to come away with a scoreless draw. The second Challenge Cup meeting came on April 3 at Audi Field. Gunny Jonsdottir scored the team’s first goal in four games. However, the Spirit already had a 3-0 lead. Rodman scored a late goal to put the game away as the Pride fell 4-1.

The two teams played four times during 2021. The first was on April 21 in the Challenge Cup. Sydney Leroux’s goal was the only scoring as the Pride won 1-0. Just two games later, the Pride opened their regular season by hosting the Spirit on May 16. Hatch gave Washington the lead, but Alex Morgan equalized to claim a 1-1 draw. The second regular-season meeting that year was on June 6 in Washington. Hatch opened the scoring, but Taylor Kornieck equalized minutes later, resulting in a 1-1 draw. The final meeting of 2021 came Aug. 22 at Audi Field. Marta gave the Pride the lead, but Hatch equalized just two minutes later. It looked like it would be a third straight 1-1 draw but Sanchez won it for Washington late.

Due to the pandemic, the Pride and Spirit didn’t play in 2020 but faced off three times in 2019. The first was on July 6 in Orlando. Marta scored a brace in the second half, leading the Pride to a 4-3 win. They played again on Aug. 24 in Washington. Crystal Thomas gave the hosts the lead and Marta equalized. But Hatch’s goal lifted the Spirit to a 2-1 win. The final game was supposed to be the following weekend, but was postponed due to Hurricane Dorian. Instead, the game was played Oct. 9 in Orlando. The Spirit dominated the rubber match, beating the Pride 3-0.

The first of two meetings in 2018 was on March 31 at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Hatch scored a goal and added an assist in a 2-0 win for the Spirit. The Pride got their revenge in the second game in the same location. Alanna Kennedy’s goal was the difference as the Pride won 1-0. The final meeting that year was on July 7 in Orlando. Hatch gave the Spirit the lead, but Leroux scored just before halftime and Marta’s goal gave Orlando the 2-1 win.

The 2017 season was the first time the teams played three times in a year. Their April 22 meeting was the Pride’s first home game that year. Line Sigvardsen-Jensen gave the visitors the lead, but Danica Evans answered as the teams drew 1-1. They met for the second time that year in Maryland on July 8 when Marta and Mallory Pugh both scored braces in a 2-2 draw. The final game in 2018 was on Aug. 8 in Orlando. Marta, Camila, and Morgan all scored as the Pride ran away with a 3-0 win.

The Spirit swept the first two meetings in 2016, winning 2-0 in Maryland and 2-1 in Orlando.

Match Overview

The Pride entered the 2024 NWSL season looking to improve on a 2023 campaign that saw the team barely miss out on the playoffs. So far, this year’s start has been better than last year’s as the Pride drew their first three games. The 1-0 win in Utah extended their unbeaten run and Summer Yates’ first-half goal against San Diego Wave FC was enough for the Pride to claim back-to-back wins.

The early season was challenging for the Pride as they suffered injuries, suspensions, and international absences. However, they overcame those challenges, getting off to the second-best start through five games in team history and the best since 2021.

Last weekend’s win over San Diego saw second-half entrances of center back Rafaelle, who missed the first four games with a fractured left foot, and striker Barbra Banda, who missed the start of the season while on international duty with Zambia. The absence of Rafaelle resulted in left back Strom partnering Emily Sams at center back, a position she was playing for the first time as a professional. Despite the makeshift back line, which also included midfielder Kerry Abello, the Pride have claimed back-to-back shutouts and haven’t conceded multiple goals since their 2-2 draw in Louisville in the season opener.

The Spirit have gotten off to an excellent start to the 2024 NWSL season. Their nine goals scored is tied for fourth in the league, but their strength has been defensively. They’ve only conceded four goals this year, tied with three other teams — including the Pride — for the fewest goals conceded. After losing their first game of the year to the Seattle Reign, the Spirit have won four straight.

The Spirit’s back line consists of Casey Krueger, Annaig Butel, Gabrielle Carle, and Hal Hershfelt in front of former Pride goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, and it is among the best in the league. Butel missed the season opener, the team’s only loss, but the Spirit have a 100% record with the defensive unit.

Offensively, the Spirit are led by Croix Bethune with three goals and Hershfelt with two. Andi Sullivan, Ouleymata Sarr, Brittany Ratcliffe, and Hatch have each added a goal this year. USWNT regulars Krueger and Rodman have been the primary providers for the Spirit with two assists each.

The Spirit have one of the most frightening attacks that has largely been together for multiple seasons. McKeown, Hatch, and Rodman have been the members of the offensive core since 2021. Sanchez was the fourth member of the attack, but joined the North Carolina Courage this past off-season and was replaced by Sarr.

“It’s a tough game, Washington. Unbeaten in their last four with four wins. It’s a tough environment to go to, but we’re prepared,” Pride Head Coach Seb Hines said about tonight’s opponent. “Every game has different challenges. We know the threat that Washington has with the personnel that they have in that front line. But we have some dangerous players ourselves. It will be a good challenge for all of us and hopefully an entertaining game.”

While the Pride had been getting healthy, they have a long injury list for tonight’s game. Simone Charley (right leg), Luana (excused absence), Marta (lower leg), Megan Montefusco (right heel), and Viviana Villacorta (left knee) are listed as out. Morgan Gautrat (lower leg) and Adriana (leg) are questionable.

Only three players are missing for the Spirit tonight, including Civana Kuhlmann (knee), Makenna Morris (hip), and Courtney Brown (thigh).


Official Lineups

Orlando Pride (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Anna Moorhouse.

Defenders: Kylie Strom, Emily Sams, Rafaelle, Brianna Martinez.

Defensive Midfielders: Angelina, Haley McCutcheon.

Midfielders: Juile Doyle, Summer Yates, Kerry Abello.

Forward: Barbra Banda.

Bench: McKinley Crone, Ally Lemos, Amanda Allen, Evelina Duljan, Mariana Larroquette, Celia, Carrie Lawrence, Ally Watt, Cori Dyke.

Washington Spirit (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Aubrey Kingsbury.

Defenders: Casey Krueger, Annaig Butel, Gabrielle Carle, Hal Hershfelt.

Defensive Midfielders: Andi Sullivan, Croix Bethune.

Midfielders: Tara McKeown, Trinity Rodman, Paige Metayer.

Forward: Ouleymata Sarr.

Bench: Nicole Barnhart, Lyza Bosselman, Ashley Hatch, Anna Heilferty, Brittany Ratcliffe, Chloe Ricketts, Lena Silano, Heather Stainbrook, Kate Wiesner.

Referees

REF: Rebecca Pagan.
AR1: Zach McWhorter.
AR2: Austin Holt.
4TH: Gary Gutierrez.
VAR: Adorae Monroy.
AVAR: Kaili Terry.


How to Watch

Match Time: 7:30 p.m.

Venue: Audi Field — Washington, D.C.

TV: Bally Sports Sun.

Streaming: NWSL+.

Twitter: For live updates and rapid reaction, follow @TheManeLand and the Orlando Pride’s official Twitter feed (@ORLPride).


Enjoy the match .Go Pride!

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