Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride vs. Bay FC: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More
The Pride look to continue their season-long unbeaten run with a trip out west as they face Bay FC.
Welcome to your match thread as the Orlando Pride (14-0-6, 48 points) travel to the west coast to take on Bay FC (8-11-1, 25 points). This is the second and final time the two teams are scheduled to play during the 2024 NWSL regular season.
Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s game.
History
Bay FC is one of two expansion teams to enter the NWSL for the 2024 season and first faced the Pride in Orlando on May 11. Just prior to the half-hour mark, Barbra Banda dribbled inside and Deyna Castellanos attempted an ill-advised challenge, resulting in a foul in the box and a Pride penalty. Adriana put the ball into the bottom left corner for the only goal, lifting the Pride to a 1-0 win. It was the sixth win in an NWSL-record, eight-game win streak.
Overview
The Pride saw their six-game win streak snapped on Sept. 13 against the Kansas City Current at home. However, the scoreless draw extended the team’s season-long unbeaten run to 20 games and their overall regular-season unbeaten run to 21 games. When you include the three draws in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, the Pride haven’t lost in 24 games.
Despite the plethora of attacking options, the defense has been the strength of the team. They’ve only conceded 12 goals this season, putting them in good position to break the league record for fewest goals conceded in a season (17). The Pride are currently on a run of four consecutive shutouts and haven’t conceded a goal in 411 minutes.
Tonight’s opponent will provide an opportunity for a fifth straight shutout and an offensive burst. Bay FC ranks eighth in goals scored with 25 and is tied for 10th in goals conceded with 32. Only three teams in the league have conceded more goals than the debutants. While Bay’s-7 goal difference is ninth in the league, the team currently sits in the eighth and final playoff spot.
The San Jose-based side is led in goals by Asisat Oshoala with five, followed by Racheal Kundananji, Tess Boade, and Joelle Anderson with three each. Kundananji, Blade, and Anderson also lead the team with two assists apiece, joined by Emily Menges and former Pride forward Rachel Hill.
While Bay FC has conceded 32 goals this season, that doesn’t tell the whole story because of the club’s notable recent addition. On Aug. 26, the club acquired U.S. international center back Abby Dahlkemper in a trade with the San Diego Wave. She now partners Emily Menges, providing a much more stable back line, proven by Bay FC’s recent results.
Bay FC struggled coming out of the Olympic break, losing 2-1 to the Utah Royals. However, the team quickly bounced back with a 3-1 win away to the Portland Thorns, a 1-0 win against Racing Louisville, and a 1-1 draw against the North Carolina Courage on the road, becoming just the second team (joining the Pride) to claim a point at North Carolina. Tonight’s hosts sit three points ahead of Louisville for the final playoff spot, so they need every point they can get in the final six games.
“They’ve brought in some good additions, the likes of Dahlkemper coming in. That’s a good signing,” Pride Head Coach Seb Hines said about tonight’s opponent. “And also Penelope Hocking, adding to their attack. So yeah, we’re expecting a different team to what we played against at home. I think where we’re at this stage of the season, every game’s going to be difficult. They’re obviously trying to solidify their position in the playoffs. We’re obviously trying to keep ourselves at the top of the table as well. So I expect a good, challenging game for both teams.”
The Pride have seven players out tonight, including Grace Chanda (thigh), Simone Charley (ankle), Luana (illness), Sofia Manner (concussion), Megan Montefusco (heel), and Rafaelle (foot). Ally Lemos (USA) is also missing as she’s at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Bay FC is without Alex Loera (knee) and Melissa Lowder (knee) due to injury. Additionally, Savy King (USA) is at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Projected Lineups
Orlando Pride (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Anna Moorhouse.
Defenders: Kerry Abello, Kylie Strom, Emily Sams, Cori Dyke.
Defensive Midfielders: Haley McCutcheon, Angelina.
Midfielders: Summer Yates, Marta, Adriana.
Forward: Barbra Banda.
Bay FC (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Katelyn Rowland.
Defenders: Caprice Dydasco, Abby Dahlkemper, Emily Menges, Alyssa Malonson.
Midfielders: Tess Boade, KiKi Pickett, Dorian Bailey.
Forwards: Racheal Kundananji, Asisat Oshoala, Rachel Hill.
Referees
REF: Brad Jensen.
AR1: Joe Suchoski.
AR2: Melissa Beck.
4TH: Iryna Petrunok.
VAR: Shawn Tehini.
AVAR: John Krill.
How to Watch
Match Time: 10:30 p.m.
Venue: PayPal Park — San Jose, CA.
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!