Orlando Pride vs. CF Monterrey Femenil: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More

Welcome to your match thread as the Orlando Pride (0-0-1, 1 point) play their first home game of the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup against CF Monterrey Femenil (0-1-0, 0 points), commonly referred to as Rayadas. This is the first-ever meeting between the two clubs and the first time the Pride will play a foreign opponent.

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

History

Since these teams have never faced each other, there isn’t any history between them. However, there is one link between the two clubs. Christina Burkenroad was the Pride’s second pick in the club’s inaugural 2016 draft, selected with the fifth pick of the second round (15th overall). The forward was waived in June 2017 to open a roster spot for Alex Morgan, who was returning from French club Olympique Lyonnais Feminin.

Overview

The Pride are the only NWSL team yet to suffer a defeat in 2024. They’re currently on a 16-game unbeaten run in the NWSL regular season and extended that streak to 17 with their 1-1 Summer Cup-opening draw against the North Carolina Courage last Saturday night. Despite losing the penalty shootout, it was an impressive result since the Pride are missing several key players to the Olympics, including regular starters Rafaelle, Emily Sams, Marta, Angelina, Adriana, and Barbra Banda.

Additionally, the Pride were without starting goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, whose performances this season earned her a call-up to the England Women’s National Team. Her absence provided the opportunity for McKinley Crone to make her professional debut. Crone took advantage, making five saves and keeping the Pride in the game before Celia’s 82nd-minute equalizer.

Tonight’s opponent, Monterrey, has been one of the most successful teams in Liga MX Femenil since the league’s inaugural year in 2017. Their three league titles ranks second behind Tigres UANL’s six and one more than Mexican giants Club America and C.D. Guadalajara.

The Liga MX Femenil season runs from July to May, so it’s just begun. Before the season started, Monterrey lost the Campeon de Campeonas — a two-legged affair between the Apertura and Clausera champions — to Tigres 3-2 on aggregate. Las Rayadas beat Puebla 1-0 on July 7 to start the season before falling 3-1 to Racing Louisville FC in their Summer Cup opener. Unlike the NWSL, Liga MX Femenil isn’t taking a league break during the Summer Olympics because Mexico didn’t qualify. As a result, the Mexican clubs in this competition are playing both league and Summer Cup games.

Monterrey’s most recent game was a dominant 5-0 win Tuesday night over Atlas in the club’s home opener. While the visitors will have an advantage with a greater selection of players, the Pride will be on more rest as the Rayadas had a midweek game before traveling to Orlando.

“I think overall it’s going to be a great experience for the players and the club. It’s something that hasn’t happened before, so I’m excited to see how we match up against a team out of NWSL,” Pride Head Coach Seb Hines said ahead of the match. “I think it just shows the growth of the league as well. And so, it’s going to be a little bit unpredictable. It’s tough after seeing them with one game against NWSL opposition, but the main focus is on us and being back at home, because it’s been a while since we’ve been at home in front of our own fans. Overall, we’re just excited for the matchup.”

The Pride have an extended injury list that’s grown since last weekend. Simone Charley (leg), Luana (illness), Bri Martinez (lower leg), Megan Montefusco (heel), and Viviana Villacorta (knee) are out for tonight. Kerry Abello (knee) and Haley McCutcheon (upper leg) are listed as questionable. Adriana (Brazil), Angelina (Brazil), Marta (Brazil), Rafaelle (Brazil), Barbra Banda (Zambia), and Emily Sams (USA) are on international duty at the Summer Olympics. Meanwhile, Lizette Rodriguez (knee) is the only player out for Monterrey tonight.

Official Lineups

Orlando Pride (4-4-2)

Goalkeeper: Sofia Manner.

Defenders: Celia, Kylie Strom, Carrie Lawrence, Cori Dyke.

Midfielders: Alex Kerr, Evelina Duljan, Morgan Gautrat, Ally Lemos.

Forward: Mariana Larroquette, Ally Watt.

Bench: McKinley Crone, Kerry Abello, Julie Doyle, Summer Yates, Haley McCutcheon, Amanda Allen, Claire Winter, Kenna Caldwell, Anna Moorhouse.

CF Monterrey Femenil (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Pamela Tajonar.

Defenders: Karol Bernal, Merel van Dongen, Rebeca Bernal, Alejandra Lua.

Defensive Midfielders: Diana Garcia, Tanna Sanchez.

Midfielders: Jermaine Seoposenwe, Nicole Perez, Myra Delgadilla.

Forwards: Christina Burkenroad.

Bench: Ana Paz, Carol Cazares, Ana Lucia Martinez, Diana Evangelista, Fatima Servin, Zellyka Arce, Juana Plata, Samantha Simental, Katty Martinez.

Referees

REF: Shawn Tehini.
AR1: Laura Chambers Waliski.
AR2: Kendall McCardell.
4TH: Sarieni Vasquez.

How to Watch

Match Time: 7 p.m.

Venue: Inter&Co Stadium — Orlando.

TV: None.

Streaming: Paramount+.

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

Enjoy the match. Go Pride!