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Building the Pride Fan Base

There are challenges to increasing attendance at Orlando Pride matches.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

As a supporter of the Orlando Pride, it bothers me that the attendance at Pride home matches is not higher. I understand there are many contributing factors, but I also think that there must be something that can be done about it. Let’s take a look at the challenges involved in putting more butts in seats this season, and moving forward.

First, let’s look at some general information. In the 2016 inaugural season, the Pride’s average attendance was 8,785. That’s not too bad, though it was assisted by a crowd over 23,000 for the home opener and went downhill from there. From 2017 to 2022 the attendance averages were 6,186, 4,837, 5,565, 4,227, and 4,385, respectively. Last season, the Pride’s average attendance was 6,005. That is a significant increase year over year, but still not even close to 2016. So far in 2024, the Pride saw 6,306 in the home opener against Angel City FC, and 5,586 against the Chicago Red Stars.

As I said above, there are some contributing factors to the drop in numbers. There have been four head coaches in just nine years. Tom Sermanni was the right coach to start it off, but neither Marc Skinner nor Amanda Cromwell were right for the position in the end. I believe that the club has made the right decision with Seb Hines, but he still has plenty to prove.

On-field success can impact attendance. The Pride have only made the NWSL playoffs once in the 2017 season. Several years the Pride were cellar dwellers, but Hines seems to be turning that around. The Pride only missed the playoffs in 2023 because of the goal differential tiebreaker. Perhaps some of the early fans fell off during the down years and have not yet decided to come back. Greater success on the field might bring those fans back, but that’s not enough to grow the fan base significantly.

Other factors include the COVID-19 pandemic, cost of living, lack of awareness, and misogyny. There’s not much anyone can do about a pandemic, so I’ll leave that out of the potentially solvable category. Sadly, there’s only so much that can be done about misogyny and the perception of women’s sports by some people. I generally try to stay away from people like that. I hope that there aren’t Orlando City fans who feel that way, and I wonder why more don’t also lend their support to the Pride. That leaves two other factors that can be addressed.

The cost of living is currently higher than most of us like. Like many of you, I also have to work within a budget. In 2024, Pride season ticket packages run from only $140 to $322. West Club season tickets were the most at $840. There are 13 home matches on the schedule this year. That means season ticket prices range from $10.77 per match to $24.77 per match, with West Club season tickets being $64.62 per match. There’s very little you can do that provides as much entertainment for only $140.

Perhaps you don’t want to commit to season tickets. Single match tickets aren’t much more, ranging from $13 to $30, with West Club tickets coming in at $70. You can’t get a movie ticket for $13, so I don’t think that is what is keeping most people from going to a Pride match. That takes us to the next factor.

Orlando proper is home to approximately 300,000 people. The greater Orlando area is home to approximately 2.6 million people. If only half of one percent of the those people went to one match that would be 13,000 people. Obviously, not everyone likes soccer, but I think that some people just haven’t been introduced to it. If each of the 6,005 people on average took a friend to a match last season, that would be 12,010 people in the seats. I’m not trying to put increasing attendance completely on Pride supporters, but I do think they can be a part of the solution.

The other part of the equation is the club. The Wilf family is investing in the stadium, in all the teams, and in the facilities. The Pride just made one of the biggest transfer deals in NWSL history by signing Barbra Banda. The transfer fee was $740,000 and she’s signed to a four-year contract. Owners don’t do that type of deal for a women’s club if they are not invested in the success of the club. Of course, big signings aren’t the only evidence of the Wilfs’ commitment.

I know that some might still be sore about the Inter&Co Stadium naming deal. Frankly, it’s probably time to get over it if you haven’t already. The deal is providing money that the club is using to enhance the fan experience at matches for both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride. The amount of local food vendors that are now set up in the stadium is truly astounding, and I can’t wait to see the new big screen in action.

Increasing attendance for both teams is a major goal of Orlando City President of Business Operations Jarrod Dillon, as we learned two years ago in my initial conversation with him. Dillon has now been on the job for two years. He and his staff are behind the stadium enhancements meant to elevate the fan experience on match day. There are billboards, commercials featuring players, player appearances, and other community involvement by both teams. How does one spread the word about the club and how fun matches can be? This is the challenge.

I certainly don’t have the solution. If I did, I’m sure I’d be making a lot more money working for Dillon and living in Orlando rather than Tallahassee. I like to think we at The Mane Land do at least a little by covering the team on our website and on our two podcasts, but there’s only so much any individual or website can do. That being said, I’m curious what you our readers think might be the issue? What do you think might help increase attendance for both teams, and in particular the Pride?

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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