Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride Have Built Something Special and Sustainable
How playing style and culture earned the Pride an NWSL Championship and will keep them competetive in the coming seasons.
The Orlando Pride are your 2024 NWSL champions and NWSL Shield winners. These awards capped a season where they set the league records for longest win streak, longest unbeaten streak, most points, most shutouts, and most wins, among many other accolades. That level of success was deserved after a years-long rebuild, both in personnel and club culture.
In a league like the NWSL, it can be difficult to sustain such performances and stay at the top for long. Despite the challenges ahead, Orlando showed in the NWSL Championship, as well as the whole 26-match season, that due to the team’s talent, playing style, and strong culture, this is a club that will continue to fight for trophies for years to come.
Saturday night in the NWSL Championship, the Pride showed all the foundational elements of their record-breaking season, including that trademark gritty defense and the lightning quick attacking transitions. On the defensive end, there just aren’t many more ways to write about how dominant the Pride are. The win over the Washington Spirit was Orlando’s 14th clean sheet of the season and its eighth 1-0 victory in 29 matches.
While the Pride conceded 26 shots in the match, only five were on target for the Spirit, and their efforts got more and more speculative as the minutes wore on. Trinity Rodman had some success against Kerry Abello in one-on-one situations, but Kylie Strom and NWSL Defender of-the Year Emily Sams were lively in snuffing out the danger early. Behind it all, Anna Moorhouse was commanding in the box, coming out to collect several crosses and free kicks to kill off the opposing attack.
When it comes to next year, there will not be any relief for the rest of the league’s attacks. For how elite the Pride defense was, it can be surprising how young the group is. In the NWSL Championship, Orlando’s back four featured a rookie (Cori Dyke), a second-year player (Sams), and a third-year player (Abello), who are all 25 years old or younger.
Add in starters Kylie Strom, Anna Moorhouse, and critical depth pieces Rafaelle — actually a starter when healthy, but a defender who missed the rest of the season after the Olympic break — and Carson Pickett, and Orlando’s most reliable defenders are all under contract through next year as well. With this ideal mix of experience and youth and a full year playing together as the league’s best defense, the expectation is that the back line will remain dominant next year as well.
On the attacking front, the Pride showed once again that they only need a handful of chances to get the winning goal, especially with a player like Barbra Banda. Their chances don’t need to come from intricate buildup play either, as it has felt at times this season that the Pride would rather cede possession and attack off the counter than waste time working the ball slowly up the pitch. Against the Spirit, that’s exactly how it went. For the match, the Pride had 43% possession and completed 100 fewer passes than the Spirit. Orlando only managed nine shots, with three on target, but once the Pride had the lead, they were even more content to play in transition, limiting their offensive output but still creating several threatening situations.
Statistics aside, most of the big opportunities on the night for Orlando, including the lone goal, came from similar situations. These plays started with Orlando winning possession off of the Spirit in the Pride’s defensive third. From there, the Pride played long balls forward and let Banda or Marta go to work. First, in the 15th minute, Banda was able to gather a loose ball in her own half and drive forward. Once she had committed the Spirit defenders to her, she fed the ball out wide to Marta, who was able to create space for a shot that ended up straight at the keeper.
On the goal, only two players in purple touched the ball. Angelina won the ball off of Leicy Santos and heaved it forward to Banda, who chased it down, beat her defender in the box, and rifled a low and hard shot past the keeper. Later in the match, there was potentially the best opportunity of the night but it did not end in a shot. Banda was in a similar position to the first big chance, with three defenders around her, driving towards net. However, she was unable to find a pass to Marta, who was open in space near the top of the box.
This chance showed that there is still room for improvement for Banda, as crazy as it sounds. Improvements to her passing and finishing with her feet could take her even higher, and as she is just 24 years old, she will have years to sharpen those areas of her game in Orlando. This year she showed that the sky is the limit. To score 17 goals across all competitions in her first season, including a record-setting four goals in the postseason, is an incredible accomplishment. While Temwa Chawinga won league MVP for her record-breaking debut campaign of 20 regular-season goals, Banda is sure to be happy to have the NWSL Championship MVP award instead. It is absolutely wonderful for the NWSL and women’s soccer as a whole, to have those two going head to head for years to come.
The culture in Orlando may be the biggest factor in the Pride’s success in 2024, but the foundations were laid in prior seasons. In the aftermath of Amanda Cromwell’s suspension, the club turned to an unknown commodity in Seb Hines to lead the team in an interim capacity. While he was unknown as a head coach, those at the top of the organization felt they knew his character well enough to trust him to take care of the club through the end of 2022. That off-season, Haley Carter joined as general manager and vice president of soccer operations — recently swapping out the “general manager” part of her title for “sporting director.” The duo of Hines and Carter deserves much of the credit for the rebuild.
These two have been instrumental in establishing a culture of hard work and creating an environment that values each player as a person above all. It was that ethos that led to the club sanctioning the trade of 2023 Rookie of the Year candidate Messiah Bright to Angel City, a move that seemed like a risk at the time, but one the player requested. The club demonstrated that it values players as individuals and also wants players who want to be in Orlando — something that likely helped convince several free agents to join the team, such as Morgan Gautrat and Angelina. With the players more bought-in to the club than ever before, Marta, the longest-serving member of the club (staff included) and Strom acted as captains and as a bridge between the staff and the players both in the locker room and on the pitch.
For all their hard work and togetherness, the players played for each other and unlocked even more in this already talented roster en route to the NWSL Championship. Now that the staff and the players have created a strong and positive culture in Orlando, they will know what it takes to continue to keep the culture going and can grind for more results and more trophies. These players who have been through it will also be able to demonstrate to any new faces just what it means to be a part of this winning organization.
While playing style and club culture have set the Pride up for success, continuity of the staff and the roster can be a huge factor to ongoing success in the league. While it’s always unknown exactly what the Pride squad and starting 11 will look like next season, it is a massive benefit for Carter that only one starter, Marta, is not already under contract for next season. She is the only player who was on the pitch for more than 300 minutes this NWSL season that is out of contract.
It has to be said that Marta was a vital leader and a massive part of the Pride’s successes this year and for years prior, but if the club must try to fill a hole left by her potential absence, it is much easier to concentrate time and funds on one big piece as opposed to a total rebuild. With the increased revenue and exposure from an NWSL Championship and rising ticket sales, expect the club to make a splashy signing or two to cement its position at the top of the league.
Roster continuity also allows for continued growth of the players that remain. As mentioned above, Banda, Summer Yates, and the young defenders all played big roles this year and already showed improvement as the season wore on. There is no reason that these players can’t continue to learn from Hines and his staff and benefit from another off season to hone their skills. Behind these players is also a cohort of young athletes who may not have played as much as they hoped this year, but are primed to push for more minutes in the future. This goes for players like Evelina Duljan and Ally Lemos, who showed flashes this season, and Amanda Allen, who should be learning a lot on her loan to Lexington Soccer Club. This winter will also be the first without an NWSL draft, and the Orlando Pride should be a desired destination for more top young players.
Looking forward to 2025, one of the loftiest goals for the Pride would be to play soccer as well as they did in 2024. This NWSL Championship and Shield were well-earned; the club went through an effective and focused rebuild led by Hines and Carter. The players picked up along the way, either free agents, draftees, or big-name acquisitions, all played phenomenally well this year, especially in the playoffs. The performances on the pitch matched the culture that was built in the locker room, leading to something special. For all the club’s hard work, the Pride will know that the foundations are solid, and the team will not relinquish its spot among the best in the league anytime soon.
Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride vs. Gotham FC: Three Keys to Victory
The Pride have been given a great opportunity, now it’s time to take advantage of it.
In a surprising turn of events, the Orlando Pride will host an NWSL playoff semifinal on Sunday, when the team takes on the visiting Gotham FC, which upset the top-seeded Kansas City Current in extra time during the quarterfinals. The Pride got to this point by knocking off the Seattle Reign 2-0, and instead of traveling to Kansas City, they will get to play the semifinals in the comfortable confines of Inter&Co Stadium. It’s a great opportunity for a Pride team that’s endured its struggles in 2025 to make back-to-back NWSL Championship appearances. Here are three things that need to happen for the Pride to have a good chance of seizing that opportunity with both hands.
Shut Down Esther Gonzalez
The Kansas City Current’s Temwa Chawinga won the NWSL Golden Boot this year with 15 goals, but Gotham’s Esther Gonzalez was hot on her heels with 13 tallies of her own. The Spaniard might well have overtaken Chawinga too, if not for an injury that limited her involvement down the stretch. Gonzalez is back and available though, and her 14 goal involvements in the regular season led all Gotham players comfortably, with Jaedyn Shaw’s eight claiming second place. While her scoring rightly catches the eye, Gonzalez offers a bit of everything in the final third, and if she gets the start then the Pride will need to pay special attention when it comes to limiting her involvement in dangerous areas. Gotham certainly has other players who can hurt you, with Shaw, Rose Lavelle, and Gabi Portilho chief among them, but the Spanish striker simply carries a different level of threat. She’s nominated for the NWSL MVP for a reason after all.
More of Last Week from Moorhouse
Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was absolutely fantastic in the quarterfinal win over the Seattle Reign. She made eight saves, some of which were truly superb, and helped the Pride safely weather a storm of 17 shots from the visitors. It was exactly the kind of performance that Orlando needed, especially from a goalkeeper who can be brilliant but is also prone to some inconsistent performances and errors. There was none of that on Sunday though, as the English shot-stopper played a clean game and helped backstop a defense that allowed some good looks at goal. With a Gotham team coming to town that just managed 15 shots and two goals against a Kansas City defense that only allowed 13 goals during the regular season, Moorhouse will presumably be called into action again, and the Pride are going to need a good showing from her.
Be Better Prepared for the Press
One of the reasons that the Reign managed 18 shots in the quarterfinal matchup was the Pride’s difficulty in dealing with the Seattle press. There were multiple occasions when the ball was turned over in Orlando’s own half because the hosts weren’t able to safely play through or over the pressure that Seattle brought, and the Reign were able to generate shots from plenty of those turnovers. Not having Barbra Banda to use as a long-ball release valve hurts, but the Pride need to find a way to adjust and safely break out of their own half, because you can bet that Gotham will have watched the game tape and seen how much Orlando struggled to do exactly that. Whether it’s putting two players up top to stress the Gotham back line with long balls or simply being more accurate with short passes on the ground, the buildup play has to improve.
There you have it, gang. Mute Gonzalez’s influence, get another strong performance from Moorhouse, and do a better job of playing through the press, and the Orlando Pride will have a good chance of getting through to a second straight NWSL Championship.
Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride Re-Sign Brazilian International Midfielder Luana through 2026
The Brazilian international returned from cancer treatment late this season and has earned a new contract through 2026 with an option for 2027.
The Orlando Pride announced today that the club and Brazilian international midfielder Luana have agreed on a new contract through 2026 with a mutual option for 2027. The deal solidifies Orlando’s midfield for the near future and caps a difficult two seasons for the central midfielder, who underwent treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2024.
Prior to her diagnosis, Luana had started twice and played in all three of the Pride’s 2024 matches, but her treatment sidelined her for Orlando’s historic double.
“Luana has been and will continue to be an integral part of our club as we prepare for another championship run this year and beyond,” Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter said in a club press release. “Her versatility, steady presence, and leadership helps solidify our midfield in both the attack and defense. But more than that, Luana’s resilience and strength this past year and a half has inspired us all. She embodies what it means to be a Pride player both on and off the pitch and her performance and character has earned her this new contract.”
The now-32-year-old midfielder transferred to the Pride on Dec. 14, 2023 from Brazilian giants Corinthians to a two-year deal through 2025 with an option for 2026. This new deal guarantees her stay for one more year and pushes that option to the end of 2027, which is in keeping with the club’s standard approach to players nearing the end of their deals.
Her first season in Orlando had hardly gotten underway when she was diagnosed and placed on the Season-Ending Injury (SEI) list for treatment. She missed almost all of last season and did not return to the pitch until Sept. 2, when she came off the bench to replace Ally Lemos in a 3-0 home win over Alajuelense in Concacaf W Champions Cup play.
In her first season with Orlando, Luana played 192 of the available 270 minutes before ending her season to get treatment. Luana did not have a goal contribution, attempting one shot (off target). She was effective in helping control the middle of the pitch, winning two of four tackle attempts (50%), tallying three interceptions, and winning four headed duels. She completed 80% of her 75 pass attempts across the three games, including a successful long ball and a cross. Her bite in the midfield showed in her five fouls conceded, six fouls drawn, and two yellow cards. In the two games after her debut in Louisville — in which Orlando rallied from two goals down inside of 19 minutes and got a road result, despite Kylie Strom being sent off in the 62nd minute — the Pride conceded only once in the run of play.
Luana has played just 45 minutes of NWSL action in five appearances (regular season plus playoffs) in 2025 — all off the bench. She scored her first goal with Orlando in the Pride’s most recent match — Friday’s NWSL playoff quarterfinal win over the Seattle Reign. Her goal from the penalty spot deep in stoppage time sealed Orlando’s 2-0 playoff victory. She has yet to register an NWSL assist. Luana appeared in four Concacaf W Champions Cup matches with the Pride this year, starting three and playing 171 minutes. She did not register a goal contribution in the tournament and neither of her two shots were on target. Luana completed 74.1% of her 85 passes, contributed three tackles, and committed eight fouls without drawing one on an opponent. She was booked once, receiving a yellow card against Club America.
The veteran midfielder began her career with the Sao Paulo, Brazil-based club Centro Olimpico in 2011 before moving to Europe in 2015. She played for Avaldsnes IL in Norway until 2018, South Korean club Hwacheon KSPO in 2019, and French giants Paris Saint-Germain from 2020-2022, scoring four goals and adding two assists in 21 appearances and helping the French giants finish at the top of the league. The Sao Bernardo do Campo native returned to her home country in 2022, signing with Corinthians, where she appeared in 42 matches across all competitions and helped the club win five titles.
She made her international debut in 2010 with Brazil’s under-17 national team, taking part in the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago. She was in the squad for the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan before making her senior team debut in December 2012. She’s made 38 national team appearances for the senior side, scoring two goals.
Luana initially wasn’t on Brazil’s 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup roster, but was added to the squad after new Pride teammate Adriana suffered an injury. The midfielder appeared twice in the tournament, coming on as a substitute in group games against Australia and Italy. She made her way into the starting lineup for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, starting all three group stage games where Brazil was surprisingly eliminated.
What It Means for Orlando
There was an option year to be considered for 2026 remaining on Luana’s initial Pride contract, however, the club — as it so often does — prioritized locking the player up for another year and kicking the can on having to consider an option until after next season. If she can stay healthy and regain her previous form, Luana will be a key player, either as a starter or a regular depth option in central midfield. She is good with the ball at her feet, anticipates the play well, and can be a gritty player in 1-v-1 duels.
The Pride central midfield is in good shape for 2026. With Luana in the fold, Angelina under contract through 2026, and Haley McCutcheon locked up through at least next year, the Pride have three solid veterans who can play in the middle of the pitch. Additionally, Viviana Villacorta is signed through 2026, and Ally Lemos is under contract through 2027 with an option for 2028, although the latter has been used in the attacking line a lot this season. The Pride have no outstanding option years on which to decide, however, there are five players on expiring contracts according to The Mane Land’s records — Amanda Allen, Simone Charley, Mariana Larroquette, Brianna Martinez, and Carson Pickett.
With a full (and healthy) training camp ahead of next season, Luana may be able to snatch a starting role, but even if she doesn’t, she’ll be a valuable depth asset.
Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride vs. Seattle Reign FC: Final Score 2-0 as Pride Advance to NWSL Playoff Semifinals
The Pride defeated the Reign at home to advance to the NWSL playoff semifinals for the second consecutive season.
The Orlando Pride took another step towards defending their NWSL crown tonight, defeating Seattle Reign FC 2-0 at Inter&Co Stadium. Haley McCutcheon gave the hosts the lead in the 21st minute and Luana converted from the spot in the dying moments giving Orlando its fourth consecutive playoff victory over the last two seasons.
Pride Head Coach Seb Hines didn’t make any changes to the lineup that drew 1-1 with the Reign Sunday evening. Anna Moorhouse was in goal behind a back line of Kerry Abello, Rafaelle, Emily Sams, and Cori Dyke. McCutcheon and Angelina were the defensive midfielders behind Jacquie Ovalle, Ally Lemos, and Marta. Ally Watt was still out with an injury suffered during warmups of the previous game, so Julie Doyle started up top again.
The Pride came out strong, creating several quality chances. While Seattle held more possession and created more shots, the bend-but-don’t-break defense kept the visitors off the board. When the Reign did find a good opportunity, Moorhouse came up big, with a little help from the crossbar. In the end, McCutcheon’s goal held up, and Luana’s penalty conversion sealed the win.
While the Reign got into the Pride third multiple times in the opening minutes, it was the hosts that created the better chances. Angelina took the game’s first shot in the fifth minute. Receiving the ball near the top of the Seattle box, the midfielder took a couple of touches to create space before firing a shot right at Reign goalkeeper Claudia Dickey.
Five minutes later, Ovalle dribbled down the left and sent a cross into the box. The ball was headed towards McCutcheon, but Jordyn Bugg got to it first, sending her clearance over the crossbar. The Pride couldn’t create anything from the ensuing corner kick, and the game remained scoreless. Ovalle tried to do it herself in the 12th minute when the Mexican international dribbled into the Seattle box and fired. However, she couldn’t get around the ball, sending it wide of the near post.
The visitors finally got their first chance in the 14th minute when Nerilia Mondesir sent a low cross into the box, where Jordyn Huitema did well to shield her defender. The ball fell nicely for Sofia Huerta, but the defender’s shot was right at Moorhouse.
The Pride had a great chance to open the scoring in the 17th minute when Dyke found Doyle open in the box. However, the forward lost her balance as she shot, scuffing the ball towards goal and allowing Dickey to make the easy stop.
In the 21st minute, the Pride scored a much-deserved goal. Doyle and Marta combined with a give-and-go, with the captain sending a great through ball to free Doyle down the right. Doyle then sent a low cross to McCutcheon near the penalty spot. It wasn’t a pretty strike, but the defensive midfielder tucked it inside the far post to give her team the 1-0 lead.
“Just being opportunistic in the box, honestly,” McCutcheon said about her goal. “And after we played them last, we talked about taking more risks. And so just shoot it on first-time bounce and good things happen.”
“The goal was everything that we talk about. Moving the ball from one side of the field to the other, some really good interchange, really good execution of the cross,” Hines added. “And a really good finish from Haley, who keeps scoring in the playoffs or towards the end of the season.”
It was McCutcheon’s third goal in her fourth NWSL playoff appearance for the Pride. She’s now scored three of her seven goals for the Pride in the postseason.
“I think I just take an extra moment to realize my role on this team,” McCutcheon said about her playoff success. “I think that we all stepped up tonight, and we all step up in the big moments. But especially for me, I’ve just tried to take on that responsibility. And I think playoff McCutchen is back and in full effect.”
The visitors tried to get back into the game, creating a chance in the 31st minute. Maddie Mercado did well to chest down a long ball into the box and lay it off for Mondesir. The attacker had time and space but didn’t get much on the shot, allowing Moorhouse to make an easy stop.
Moorhouse went down on the play, requiring treatment. When play resumed, Seattle created another chance. In the 35th minute, the Pride were unable to clear, resulting in Mercado being sent down the left. She sent a cross into the box for Huitema, but it was just beyond the striker’s reach and off Abello for a corner kick. Huitema headed down the ensuing set piece, but Mondesir was unable to control it. It fell to Huitema, who got a shot herself, but she couldn’t get much on it and Moorhouse collected.
After 45 minutes of action, Seattle had the advantage in possession (55%-45%), shots (6-4), shots on target (3-2), and passing accuracy (84%-78%). Meanwhile, both teams attempted seven crosses and won one corner kick.
The Pride looked to start the second half strong, creating a chance inside the first minute after the restart. Ovalle received a throw-in and dribbled inside before finding Lemos approaching the top of the box. The young midfielder shot from distance, forcing Dickey to dive to her right to make the stop.
It appeared as though the Reign might find an equalizer in the 54th minute when Ainsley McCammon sent Jess Fishlock behind the Pride back line. The halftime substitute had a breakaway, sending her shot wide. It wouldn’t have counted anyway as the flag went up for offside.
Angelina fouled Fishlock in the Pride third in the 59th minute, giving the visitors a free kick. It was taken short, eventually ending up back with Fishock, who shot from the top of the box. However, Rafaelle got a piece of the ball, sending it wide. The Reign were unable to create anything from the ensuing corner kick, ending the threat.
Two minutes later, Fishlock laid the ball back for Mercado and the attacker was fouled by Lemos. The stoppage saw Sally Menti come on for McCammon and it was nearly a genius change by Reign Head Coach Laura Harvey. Menti stepped up and sent her free kick off the crossbar, inches from tying the game.
Hines made his first change of the game in the 65th minute. It was a defensive change as right back Oihane came on for Doyle.
In the 73rd minute, Fishlock played a beautiful diagonal ball across the field for Maddie Dahlien making a run down the left. The second-half substitute got into the box, taking a shot that was blocked by Dyke. It went right back to the attacker, who shot again, but this one didn’t cause much trouble for Moorhouse.
Moorhouse was called into action in the 76th minute when Mercado received a long diagonal ball as she entered the Pride box. The attacker turned Dyke to create a shot on goal, but Moorhouse got her left foot to the ball, blocking the attempt.
Rafaelle’s clearance was right back to the Reign, who mounted another attack. Huerta found Mercado in the Pride box, and the attacker turned Dyke again. This time the shot was right at Moorhouse, ending the attack.
Hines made his second change of the game during the next stoppage, replacing Dyke with Carson Pickett.
Marta intercepted a pass in the 82nd minute and dribbled towards the end line. Jordyn Bugg caught up with the Pride captain, putting her arms around Marta’s waist. The attacker went down and wanted a penalty, but referee Abdou Ndiaye disagreed.
Hines made his final two changes immediately after the no-call, replacing Lemos and Ovalle with Luana and Simone Charley.
Charley had a chance to put the game away in the 86th minute when Marta brought down a ball and was knocked forward by a defender. Charley was behind the back line, but Menti did well to catch up and send the ball over the end line for a corner kick. Luana lost the ensuing short corner out of play, ending the attack.
Charley had another chance in the 88th minute when Angelina sent her down the right. The forward cut back when she reached the end line, creating enough space for a shot. However, the attempt was wide of the near post.
Dahlien sent a cross into the box for Menti in the 90th minute, but as the attacker wound up for a volley, Abello stepped in front. Menti’s leg slammed into Abello as the left back cleared the ball, ending the attack.
The fourth official showed five minutes of second-half stoppage time, and Seattle stayed on the attack, desperately looking for an equalizer. Late substitute Emeri Adames took a chance in the fourth minute, releasing a shot from distance. It didn’t cause much concern for Moorhouse, who made the easy stop.
A long ball into the Pride box in the sixth minute of stoppage time was headed out by Pickett, falling to Marta’s feet. The Brazilian sprinted the other way, apparently looking to run the clock out. But it was more than that as she fought through traffic to maintain possession.
She darted towards the other end of the field, tapping the ball past former Pride defender Phoebe McClernon to get behind the back line. As she entered the box, shielding the ball from McClernon, Samantha Meza tripped her. Ndiaye pointed to the spot immediately, awarding the Pride a very late penalty.
“I hate to kick the ball to nobody, so I like to have the ball with me,” Marta said. “I prefer to hold the ball. And, sometimes, you just need to make a way, or find a way, to keep the ball and be strong. At that time, it was more mental than physical, and I did this stuff many times in my career. So there was nothing that I never did before. And it’s nice to show that I can still can do that. Because I don’t know if people believe or think that I can still do stuff like that. So maybe they’ll keep giving me space and let me stay in situations like that. And then I’m gonna keep improving and try to help my team.”
“It’s crazy. Like, that was crazy,” McCutcheon added. “If that’s not on all of the highlights and the top 10 whatever, she is unbelievable. And I think that at that moment in the game too, we’re just looking for any possibility to shut out the game and to have her run, I don’t even know, 80 yards and beat three defenders and win a pen. And then, not to mention, give that to Lou (Luana) and let her have that moment, just the awareness and the love that she has for her teammates, it’s everything to this group, and it drives this group.”
“Yes, she could have kicked it away and we squeeze up and then try to defend a throw-in. Or, you know, another ball that gets kicked along into our box,” Hines said. “But to carry it from the distance she did, and ultimately win a penalty as well, that’s who she is. That’s why she’s arguably the greatest player in the world. And to do that in the 95th minute, when we were hanging on towards the end. She wants to show that she’s still got it. She’s still trying to show that she is the player that she was years ago. So, to have that player that can carry the ball and lead — those sorts of actions are really impressive. And I’ve said this multiple times, we’re just pleased that she’s here representing the club.”
Marta initially picked up the ball as the Pride’s primary penalty taker, but immediately handed it to Luana. Handing the ball to her club and country teammate was something she was happy to do.
“I was looking to do something for Luana, not only in this game, but before too. So I had the opportunity to give the ball to her and let her take the penalty,” Marta said. “Also, I know she’s an amazing penalty taker. She does well. She did tonight. You guys saw it. And I just come to her and told her take and finish this f***ing game. And I’m so happy that she converted the penalty, and we ended the game this way. She deserves it. We deserve it.”
“Handing the ball over to Lou epitomizes Marta as an individual,” Hines said. “You know, not putting herself above the team and giving the ball to Lou to have her moment. So, it’s a really inspiring moment for the team and everyone associated with the club.”
The Brazilian stepped up and put her attempt into the left corner of the goal, sealing the victory and scoring her first career NWSL goal.
At full time, Seattle had the advantage in possession (54.7%-45.3%), shots (17-9), shots on target (8-4), crosses (14-10), and passing accuracy (80.1%-76.7%). The Pride ended the game with more corner kicks (3-1) and, most importantly, more goals.
“Really good performance from start to finish,” Hines said. “It was a very unique situation, playing a team that we only just played last week, trying to figure out if Seattle would change anything, whether it’s system or personnel. But I thought we managed it really well in all phases of play. Credit to the players, because they’ve worked so hard to get to this point. They’ve faced so many challenges along this journey to get to the postseason. A big objective of ours was to host a playoff game, finish in that top-four spot, and take value in that top-four spot. So, everyone plays a part, from the players, the staff. The crowd was phenomenal tonight and really got behind the team. And it took everyone, it took a village to get three points tonight.”
“What a performance from the whole group from start to finish,” McCutcheon added. “I think we were just locked in and to have that late penalty and have Luana have that moment, it’s just a dream come true for us. So we’re excited.”
With the quarterfinals behind them, the Pride will now wait to see who, when, and where they’ll play next. If NJ/NY Gotham FC knocks out the top-seeded Kansas City Current, the Pride would host Gotham in the semifinal. If the Current win, the Pride travel to Missouri to face Supporters’ Shield-winning Kansas City.
Regardless, the Pride season extends to next weekend, when they’ll play for an opportunity to compete in their second consecutive NWSL Championship Game.
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