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Orlando Pride vs. Bay FC: Final Score 1-0 as Pride Win Sixth Straight

Adriana’s penalty conversion lifts the Pride to their sixth straight win and ninth straight result.

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7 months ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

The Orlando Pride (6-0-3, 21 points) won their sixth straight game and claimed their ninth straight result with a 1-0 home win over NWSL newcomers Bay FC (2-7-0, 6 points). Adriana’s 32nd-minute penalty conversion was the only scoring in the game as the Pride continue their league-leading run.

Pride Head Coach Seb Hines made two changes to the team that beat Racing Louisville 1-0 Sunday night. Morgan Gautrat and Adriana re-entered the starting lineup after returning from injury and coming off the bench last weekend. They replaced Ally Lemos and Ally Watt.

The back line in front of goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was Kerry Abello, Kylie Strom, Rafaelle, and Emily Sams. Morgan Gautrat and Haley McCutcheon were the defensive midfielders behind Julie Doyle, Adriana, and Summer Yates with Barbra Banda up top.

Despite the close scoreline, the Pride dominated this game from start to finish. Opportunities from the visitors were few and far between. While Moorhouse wasn’t challenged, Bay FC goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland had to make several key saves and finished with nine on the night.

The Pride had the first decent attack of the game in the second minute through Banda down the right. The Zambian beat her defender and sent a low cross into the middle, but only one Pride player was in the Bay FC 18, and nobody was able to get on the end of it.

Seconds later, Abello made a run to the end line and her cross was blocked out by Savy King. The ensuing set piece ended up with McCutcheon, who shot from just outside of the box, but Scarlett Camberos got in front to block it.

Banda made a run into the box from the left side in the fifth minute and was looking for Adriana near the penalty spot, but her pass was behind the attacker.

In the 15th minute, Doyle sent a cross to the top of the six-yard box, looking for Banda. Unfortunately, it was too far in front of the striker, enabling Rowland to reach it first. Banda slammed into the Bay FC goalkeeper and was called for a foul.

Deyna Castellanos recorded Bay FC’s first chance of the game and it was an ambitious one. Far from the Pride box, the midfielder attempted to beat Moorhouse over the top. However, the ball landed in her arms instead for an easy save.

The visitors had another chance in the 20th minute when Yates put a shoulder to Tess Boade and Sams finished her off with another shoulder, resulting in a free kick. The set piece was lifted into the box, but sailed over everyone and out of play.

Four minutes later, Bay FC created its best shot of the night to that point when King sent a low ball to the top of the box. It was behind Asisat Oshoala, but went directly to Racheal Kundananji. The Zambian international’s shot was right at Moorhouse, who made the easy catch.

The Pride nearly took the lead in the 28th minute when Doyle made a good run to the back post and Abello played a great ball across. However, a Bay FC foot got to it before the Pride midfielder, tapping it just beyond her reach.

The Pride maintained possession, resulting in Banda entering the box from the left side. Castellanos challenged the striker from behind, resulting in Banda going to the ground. Referee Danielle Chesky immediately pointed to the spot, awarding the Pride a penalty. Banda was down for a while after the foul and required some medical attention, but eventually got up and was able to continue.

With Banda off the field, Adriana stepped up to take the spot kick. Rowland guessed the right way, but it was a terrific penalty by the Brazilian, who put it into the corner to give the Pride a 1-0 lead.

“Well, usually when I get the ball, I just focus on concentrating for the PK. Just focusing on the ball hitting the net and me scoring that goal,” Adriana said. “So I was just thinking about that goal and to be able to score and help our team.”

Abello nearly scored an accidental goal in the 36th minute when she sent a poor cross in from the left. The ball curved towards goal and hit the crossbar, going beyond everyone in the box and enabling Bay FC to clear.

In the 37th minute, Banda was sent forward by Yates and dribbled the ball behind the Bay FC back line and into the box. Kayla Sharples did well to keep up with the speedy attacker, putting her body on her. Banda attempted to tap the ball around Rowland, but the goalkeeper was able to make the stop.

A minute later, it was Banda again making a long run into the Bay FC box. She attempted to reach the end line and send in a cross, but Emily Menges got a foot in to knock it out of play. The ensuing corner kick was headed out to Abello, who sent her shot well wide of the target.

Banda had another chance in the 45th minute when she received a short pass from Adriana. The striker attempted a long shot that was on target, but Rowland did well to tip it over the crossbar. The ensuing corner kick was headed out to Abello at the top of the box. This time, the defender used the outside of her left foot in an attempt to send it inside the post. It was also on target, but Rowland got down to tip it wide.

The Pride had a good chance in stoppage time when Abello’s initial cross was blocked, but she won it right back. The defender sent a second ball in for Gautrat outside of the six, but it was a bit behind the midfielder. As a result, she couldn’t get enough on it to challenge Rowland. That was the last chance by either team as the Pride entered halftime leading Bay FC 1-0.

The Pride dominated the first half statistically with more possession (60%-40%), shots (17-2), shots on target (12-2), corner kicks (8-0), and crosses (17-2), and better passing accuracy (84%-82%). However, Rowland had a strong first half with six saves, and some excellent ones to keep her team in the game.

Hines made one halftime substitution, replacing Doyle with Marta. It was Marta’s first appearance for the Pride since April 19, after missing the previous three games with an injury.

The Pride got the first good chance of the second half in the 50th minute when quick passing by McCutcheon and Adriana saw the Brazilian send Banda down the right. The striker was looking for Yates in the box, but the ball was a little behind the midfielder. She got her head to it, but couldn’t get a strong attempt on goal, enabling Rowland to make the stop.

In the 57th minute, Kunananji tried to make something happen for the visitors on her own. She attempted to dribble through several Pride players, but the ball was eventually cleared.

The Pride darted the other way and created a chance of their own. Banda initially tried to get behind the Bay FC defense, but her attack was halted. She found Adriana on her right, who tried a shot to the near post, but Rowland had it well covered for her seventh save of the night.

Hines made his second change and used his first substitution window in the 60th minute. After starting the last five games, Watt was on the bench for this one. The Pride had dominated chances and possession but were looking for a second goal, so Watt replaced a defensive-minded player in Gautrat.

Rowland had been sure-handed all game, but had a brief lapse in the 62nd minute on a Pride corner kick. The set piece by Yates was too close to the goalkeeper and she looked to have it covered, but the ball got through her hands. Fortunately for her, King was at the back post and headed the ball away before anyone in purple could get to it.

As the game entered the final 20 minutes, Bay FC started to create some opportunities. The visitors weren’t getting many shots off, and the ones they took weren’t threatening Moorhouse much. However, they began to push forward, holding more possession in the final third. Looking to see out the game and maintain the 1-0 lead, Hines made a pair of changes in the 74th minute. Defenders Bri Martinez and Cori Dyke came in for attackers Adriana and Yates.

In the 77th minute, the Pride created a pair of chances when Abello entered the box. Her shot was blocked, but it went back to Dyke at the top of the 18. The substitute’s second touch was a shot that was deflected out for a corner kick. The ensuing set piece by Marta didn’t cause any trouble for the visitors as they cleared the danger.

Marta caused some oohs and ahhs from the crowd in the 84th minute. McCutcheon won possession near midfield and laid it off for the captain. The Brazilian spun on the ball to split her defenders and sent Banda forward. The striker took a shot from distance, but it didn’t create much trouble for Rowland, who easily collected it.

A minute later, Marta sent Banda forward again. While the striker worked on trying to beat Menges, Sharples caught up with the play. Banda caused Menges to twist and turn, but Sharples slid in to block the shot out of play.

The Pride made their final change in the 89th minute. After her first start without a goal and failing to convert for the first time in four games, the striker was replaced by Ally Lemos. Again, it was a defensive change as the team looked to see out the result.

The only chance for either team in second-half injury time came five minutes in when Watt carried the ball to the top of the Bay FC box. She attempted a low shot towards the far post, but Rowland got down to make the save.

The Pride absolutely dominated this game with more possession (52%-48%), shots (25-6), shots on target (18-4), corner kicks (12-2), and crosses (31-12), and better passing accuracy (83%-81%). If not for some impressive goalkeeping by Rowland, the final score would likely have been more lopsided. However, Adriana’s penalty lifted the hosts to the win.

“Bay FC caused us a lot of problems in the second half,” Hines said about the game. “They started to add more numbers into their attack. The defenders did a terrific job overall of not really allowing Bay FC to create a lot of goal-scoring opportunities. But yeah, it’s a full team effort. And, you know, it’s nice to come away with another 1-0 win and three points.”

“We didn’t really know how they were going to come out. So we were kind of prepared for anything. They’ve pressed in certain games and they’ve sat back in certain games,” Strom added about the performance. “So they sat back a bit. I think we probably could have been a little more patient in our attack, but we found ways to break them.”

There are pros and cons to the fact that the Pride have won back-to-back games 1-0. On the one hand, they have two straight clean sheets and four in their last six games. It’s something that Hines and Strom say has been a team effort.

“It starts from the front and having the structure and the organization from the front and reading those triggers,” Hines said about the defensive effort. “And obviously, you talk about the midfield and then the back line and goalkeeper. You know, it’s a real togetherness to keep the ball out of the net,”

“We take so much pride in our defending and, you know, when we get these clean sheets, it’s not just the back line or the goalkeeper, it’s every single player,” Strom added. “Our forwards work so hard. Our midfielders work so hard to put some pressure on, make it predictable and make it easy for us to read the play and step in. So it’s a team effort and it feels good. That’s the main emphasis for us.”

While the recent defensive performances have been excellent, they’ve only scored a goal in each of their last two games.

“It may come down to a few (better decisions), execution in the final third, but we’re getting in the right areas,” Hines said about the lack of scoring. “We’re getting into good, positive positions. And I’d have more concern if we weren’t doing that, rather than not getting in those positions and not finding the back of the net. Listen, the goalkeeper played well today and could arguably be the player of the match. But, you know, we’ll reflect and we’ll look back and we’ll continue to work on those things.”

Despite the lack of offensive production, the Pride have now won six straight games and extended their unbeaten run to nine games to start the season. The winning streak is the longest in club history and the unbeaten run ties the team record set in 2017.

The Pride will look to continue their impressive form next Sunday when they travel to the west coast to take on Seattle Reign FC in Washington.

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2024 Orlando Pride Season in Review: Anna Moorhouse

The Pride’s starting goalkeeper improved during her second season as the team’s number one.

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1 hour ago

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December 14, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

The Orlando Pride acquired goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse from French D1 Feminine side Bordeaux on Jan. 31, 2022. Her first year in Orlando was spent as the backup behind Canadian international Erin McLeod. When McLeod moved to Iceland following the 2022 NWSL season, Moorhouse was promoted to starting goalkeeper.

The English shot stopper was inconsistent during her first year as a starter, but played well enough to earn the spot for this year. It was a historic season that saw her set new club and league records for most clean sheets in a season. She also got her first call-ups for the England Women’s National Team.

Let’s take a look at how Moorhouse did in her third season in Orlando.

Statistical Breakdown

Moorhouse started every game of the regular season, making 26 appearances and recording 2,340 minutes. She faced 107 shots, making 87 saves (81%), and conceded 20 goals. Her 13 clean sheets set a new league record for the most single-season shutouts and lifted her to the most in Pride history. Additionally, Moorhouse completed 72% of her 824 regular season passes. As she started every game, her record as a starter in the regular season was 18-2-6.

The Pride’s number one started all three playoff games, going 3-0-0 and recording 270 minutes in the postseason. She faced 12 shots on target in those three games, making nine saves (75%), and conceded three goals, with one of those on a penalty kick. Her lone clean sheet was in the NWSL Championship when the Pride beat the Washington Spirit 1-0. Her distribution was worse than in the regular season as she only completed 54% of her 46 passes, and her lone booking came in the playoffs, receiving a yellow card in the semifinal against Kansas City.

Moorhouse was on international duty for the first NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup game and was an unused sub in the second game. She started the third and final matchup against Racing Louisville FC, playing all 90 minutes. She saved two of the three shots she faced (66.7%) in that game, conceding once in a 1-1 draw. She completed 77% of her 42 passes out of the back, helping to keep the Pride unbeaten in all competitions.

Best Game

The Pride’s stellar defense this season meant Moorhouse often had little to do. However, there were some games in which she had to be solid between the sticks, and one of those games was on June 30 in Los Angeles when the Pride defeated Angel City 3-0 to remain unbeaten on the season.

Moorhouse made a season-high seven saves in back-to-back games, beginning with the Angel City matchup. But while she conceded a goal in Kansas City the following weekend, Moorhouse claimed her third consecutive clean sheet in LA. Her distribution was also solid in this game, completing 17 of 21 passes (81%).

2024 Final Grade

The Mane Land staff gave Moorhouse a grade of 7 out of 10 for the 2024 NWSL season. That’s an improvement from her 2023 grade when she was given a 6 out of 10. It’s hard to give anyone in the Pride’s defensive unit a poor grade when they conceded the fewest goals in the NWSL and were on pace to set a new league record for fewest goals conceded until the final three games. They also recorded 13 clean sheets in an outstanding season.

The grade might seem a bit high to some because Moorhouse made some mistakes that cost her team goals. On April 26 in Washington, D.C., Moorhouse failed to catch an easy-to-handle shot by Ashley Hatch, watching it go through her hands and in. Fortunately, the Pride were already up 3-1, so it didn’t cost them the game. She made another mistake against the Chicago Red Stars in the playoffs, taking too long to clear the ball and allowing Jameese Joseph to block the attempt. While the block resulted in a Red Stars goal, the Pride were already up 4-0 and the game was out of reach.

Despite a few errors, it was a solid year for the goalkeeper, who made great strides in reducing the frequency of those types of mistakes. She was better than 2023 and will likely remain the Pride’s starter in net for the foreseeable future.

2025 Outlook

Moorhouse signed a new contract on Oct. 5, 2023, keeping her in Orlando through the 2025 season. The deal meant that Haley Carter didn’t need to worry about re-signing her starting goalkeeper after the season and could focus on more pressing matters. However, Moorhouse will undoubtedly be a priority in 2025.

In addition to Moorhouse, the entire back line will also return for 2025. While Moorhouse was solid in the net, Kerry Abello, Kylie Strom, Emily Sams, and Cori Dyke, along with the other defenders who were pressed into action, made sure to limit her workload. The pressure will be on the goalkeeper next season to see if she can improve and help the Pride remain the best defensive team in the NWSL.

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2024 Orlando Pride Season in Review: Morgan Gautrat

The veteran holding midfielder brought stability and experience to the Pride in 2024.

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1 day ago

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December 13, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

The Orlando Pride acquired former United States Women’s National Team midfielder Morgan Gautrat along with $50,000 in Allocation Money in exchange for a 2024 international spot on Jan. 11. Midfield depth was an area of need after the Pride had lost Mikayla Cluff in the NWSL Expansion Draft, with Viviana Villacorta also recovering from a serious knee injury. The team had already signed Brazilian internationals Angelina and Luana, so adding Gautrat ensured that there would be competition for the starting lineup and improved depth in that position group.

Gautrat added stability, experience, her high soccer IQ, and talent to the squad in an area of need, and she was rewarded on Sept. 12 with a new contract through the 2025 season with an option year for 2026. Players like Gautrat, who were willing to serve in any role (or multiple roles) needed, helped the club achieve remarkable accomplishments in 2024, including the NWSL Shield, NWSL Championship, and numerous league and team records.

Let’s look back at Gautrat’s first season in Orlando as she experienced somewhat of a homecoming, having grown up in Ponte Vedra Beach.

Statistical Breakdown

Gautrat made 17 appearances during the regular season, starting 11 games and amassing 850 minutes. She did not contribute a goal or assist, attempting just six shots and putting two of them on target. She passed well at an 88.5% rate on 504 attempts without a key pass, connecting on two crosses and 14 long balls. Defensively, she contributed 13 tackles, 16 interceptions, and 18 headed duels won. Gautrat committed 10 fouls on the season, drew six on the opposition, and was booked three times (all yellow cards).

In the postseason, Gautrat appeared in two of the Pride’s three playoff games — both off the bench — logging just 19 minutes. She did not contribute to a goal, attempting two shots and putting one of them on target. The midfielder completed 85% of her 13 passes without a key pass, cross, or long ball. She recorded one tackle, no interceptions, no fouls committed, no fouls drawn, and no bookings.

Gautrat appeared in all three of Orlando’s games in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, starting the last two and tallying 122 minutes. Again, she did not register a goal or assist, and she did not attempt a shot. She completed an impressive 95% of her 57 passes but did not log a key pass or successful cross, connecting on two long balls. She won two of her three tackle attempts (67%), adding an interception on the defensive end. Gautrat committed two fouls, suffered two fouls, and was not booked in the tournament.

Best Game

Several games leap out as strong defensive outings for Gautrat, including her part in a hard-fought 1-1 draw at home against the Chicago Red Stars on March 29, in which she tallied four tackles and passed at a 96% rate.

I’ll go with her lone 90-minute outing of the season, which came in a 1-0 road victory at the Utah Royals April 12, because it was a similar performance and helped the team win on the road. This was before Barbra Banda appeared in a match with the Pride, who had scored only four goals in the first three games of the season, drawing all three. The offense again scored just one goal at Utah, but this time it was enough to provide Orlando with its first win in a season full of them, largely due to Gautrat’s part in the collective team defensive effort.

Gautrat started and went the distance without contributing anything offensively. However, she turned in one of her best passing performances of the season, connecting 94% of the time on her 50 attepts — her second-most passes of the year. She didn’t record a tackle, but she managed three interceptions, which ended up tying for her high in a game for the 2024 season. She committed one foul in the match but was not booked. Her efforts helped the Pride limit Utah to just five shots in the match.

The win was an important one, because it kicked off a league record eight straight victories for the Pride, who built momentum and didn’t lose a match until after they’d won the NWSL Shield.

2024 Final Grade

The Mane Land staff gave Gautrat a solid rating of 6 out of 10 for the 2024 season. While the veteran midfielder provided stability in helping to shield the back line and goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse well throughout the year, the offensive side of the game was not a strength, as shown in her 517 pass attempts in NWSL regular season and playoff games without a single key pass or assist and only two successful crosses. While offense isn’t her primary job, and she was by no means the only holding midfielder short on goal contributions, the occasional critical through ball to free up an attacker is essential in the way the team plays. Gautrat also had to fight through some injuries in April and June, which may have affected her to some degree, because she began the year starting frequently but was more of a bench player after her second injury spell.

2025 Outlook

Gautrat remains under contract with the Pride for 2025 (and 2026, if the option is exercised), and I expect she will play a similar role next season for Orlando. She will turn 32 in February, and the years, miles, and several injuries over her career have robbed her of some of her lateral quickness. But she’s a savvy player who reads the game well, so she is still mostly able to get herself into the right spots. Gautrat will continue to bring value to Orlando’s midfield group. She will push others in her position group for a starting spot but may end up as a second-half super sub to protect leads or replace teammates on yellow cards while providing spot starts when needed.

Players like Gautrat and Angelina brought a level of composure to the Pride midfield that had never previously been seen in the club’s history. Moving Haley McCutcheon from right back to midfield only added to that. But there’s also the uncertainty of Luana returning to fitness to consider as well as the development of 2024 draft pick Ally Lemos. The Pride midfield is in good shape entering next season, and it showed in 2024 that it could even survive multiple absences and still perform at a high level. This bodes well for the team in 2025.

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2024 Orlando Pride Season in Review: Julie Doyle

A look at the forward’s third season with the Pride.

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2 days ago

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December 12, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

The Orlando Pride selected Julie Doyle 11th overall in the 2022 NWSL Draft and signed her on Jan. 27, 2022 to a one-year contract with an option for 2023. On May 8, 2023 the California native was given a new two-year contract through the 2024 season. Doyle was then given another contract on Oct. 1, 2024, a new two-year deal through the 2026 season.

Doyle saw more of the pitch this season but wasn’t able to increase her offensive productivity. Let’s look at how the attacker performed in 2024.

Statistical Breakdown

Doyle played in 25 of the Pride’s 26 games in the regular season, starting 21 and recording 1,377 minutes. She scored two goals and added one assist on one key pass, with seven successful crosses and seven completed long balls. Doyle put 13 of her 23 regular-season shots on target and completed 76% of her 308 passes. Despite playing in the attack, she also helped defensively, recording 17 tackles and four interceptions. She committed 15 fouls, suffered 23 fouls, and earned two yellow cards.

During the NWSL playoffs, Doyle came off the bench in all three of the Pride’s matches, recording 72 minutes. The majority of those minutes came when she subbed on at halftime for Ally Watt in the 4-1 win over the Chicago Red Stars. Through the three matches, she took five shots, putting one on target, and completed 92% of her 12 passes. Defensively, Doyle recorded two tackles, committed two fouls, and earned one yellow card.

Doyle played in all three of the Pride’s NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup games, starting in the first and third games while recording 189 minutes. Doyle scored one goal on five shots with two on target. She did not register an assist, but completed 19 of her 33 passes (62%) without recording a key pass, a long ball, or a cross, turning the ball over 25 times. Her one goal came in the match against Liga MX Femenil club CF Monterrey. Defensively, the attacker contributed one interception and won two headed duels. She committed one foul, drew one on her opponents, and wasn’t booked.

Best Game

Doyle’s best game came in the 1-1 draw against the San Diego Wave June 7. While it was the match that broke the team’s NWSL-record winning streak after eight victories, the Pride remained undefeated, thanks to a first-half goal from Doyle. She made a good run into the box, and held up just a bit to give herself space between the defenders. It wasn’t an easy goal, as the cross from Barbra Banda was slightly behind her, but she made the most of it to give the Pride the early lead.

The attacker started, played 63 minutes, and was a big part of the Pride’s offensive scheme, touching the ball 30 times and completing 86% of her 14 passes. Two of her three shots were on target, including the goal. She also contributed defensively, adding two tackles and committing one foul.

2024 Final Grade

The Mane Land staff gave Doyle a composite grade of 5.5 out of 10 for the 2024 season, which matches the 5.5 grade she received last year. Doyle always brings the energy when she is in a match, but her finishing and decision making in the final third aren’t always the best. Still, the club finds value in her game, and I’m certain she’s a cultural fit within the club and the locker room. A few more goals and she can see her grade go up next year.

2025 Outlook

Doyle will be with the Orlando Pride in 2025 as the club looks to defend two titles. With Banda, Adriana, Ally Watt, Grace Chanda, and Summer Yates all options for Seb Hines, Doyle might find herself in the role of energetic sub again next season. She’ll still get plenty of playing time but is unlikely to get as many starts as she did early in 2024. That doesn’t mean she won’t play an important role, but she’ll need to put the ball in the net a lot more to earn a starting spot.

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