New Year’s Resolutions for Orlando Players and Staff

New Year’s resolutions are a common way for many to get back on track or to continue progress already made. While I don’t personally make such resolutions, I can see how committing to bettering one’s self can provide motivation heading into a new year. That got me thinking about what resolutions some Orlando City and Orlando Pride players and staff might make at the start of 2025.

Most of these are tongue in cheek, so take these resolutions with the mirth and amusement with which they are given.

Seb Hines

What could the 2024 NWSL Coach of the Year possibly improve upon in 2025? It can’t be to smile more. I think I’ve literally only seen him not smiling on the sidelines one time. That’s it. Even when he’s having words with the officials he’s got a grin on his face. I certainly don’t want him to change that positive attitude since it’s what helped build the culture of a winning Pride. Instead, I want Hines to take a little credit for himself, even if just in his own heart.

Oscar Pareja

Oscar Pareja has taken Orlando City to five straight playoff appearances, won the 2022 U.S. Open Cup, and proven the early season doubters wrong time and again. It would be easy to say he should resolve to win the whole flipping thing, but I’m certain that is already his goal. Instead, I want him to resolve to be a little more flexible in his starting lineups. Pareja has a tendency to stick with a lineup match after match if he thinks it’s working. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but depending on the opponent, a change at say, striker, might be a good idea. You can do it, Papi!

Rodrigo Schlegel

You may not have noticed, but Rodrigo Schlegel has grown mentally and emotionally over the last few seasons. He has always had a bit of hot headedness in his play. There’s nothing wrong with that, but if you can focus that passion so you don’t get as many fouls, that’s even better. He has done that the last two seasons. He’ll be fighting for a starting spot yet again this off-season, and I think he should continue to grow in his ability to employ the dark arts without losing that fire he has in his belly.

Julie Doyle

Julie Doyle brings a lot of things to the pitch. She can contribute goals and assists, she brings fire and attitude, and she has bought into the Pride culture. What I want from her in 2025 is to bring back the Doyle Buns. I have absolutely no stats to back this up, but I feel she plays better when her hair is in double Doyle Buns formation (see picture below). It doesn’t have to be every match, but it’s been a while since we’ve seen them.

It should be obvious that Doyle’s hairstyle has nothing to do with how she plays, but since that is the case, why not bring back the buns?

Cesar Araujo/Wilder Cartagena

Orlando City’s colors are purple and gold. I feel that Cesar Araujo and Wilder Cartagena might think they are purple and yellow with as many yellow cards they’ve earned. In 2024, the pair earned 18 yellow cards between them, which was two more than the 16 in 2023. While defensive midfielders are the most prone to be booked, given their role on the pitch, perhaps they could resolve to limit that number to avoid suspensions.

Haley McCutcheon

Haley McCutcheon was the “I didn’t see that coming” goal scorer for the Pride in the playoffs. She scored the first goal of the playoffs to give Orlando the lead in the 4-1 win over the Chicago Red Stars.

She then scored the Pride’s first goal in the 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Current to get the Orlando offense started.

If it’s not too much to ask, perhaps McCutcheon could resolve to start scoring goals earlier in the year? I don’t see the need for her to wait until the playoffs.

Luis Muriel

Luis Muriel is one of those players who needed more time to adapt to MLS. Based on his play down the stretch, it seems he’s finally comfortable with the league and his team, and he has settled in to his new home in Orlando. His resolution should be to break into the starting lineup for Orlando City. As a Designated Player, he garners a hefty paycheck, and I want the goal contributions to be commensurate with his contract.

Marta

Does anyone know where the Fountain of Youth is? I want nothing more for Marta than to stop time and keep her energy, pace, and health at 2024 levels. She was a critical component in the Pride’s historical season. As such, whatever she needs to do to bring it all again in 2025 is what she should resolve to do. Actually, I think everyone else should resolve to do whatever they can to help Marta. All of the coaches, trainers, teammates, and the front office should make her their resolution.

Obviously, I’ve only scratched the surface of the possibilities here. Now, I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below. Happy New Year!