Orlando Pride vs. Utah Royals: Three Keys to Victory

The Orlando Pride are finally back in action following a lengthy international break that saw several players make appearances for their respective countries. For those that stayed, supposedly every NWSL team played at least two friendlies, though if the Pride did so, we were never informed. I’m certain that the team has trained, but that’s never quite as good as actual matches that mean something. What must the Pride do to earn all three points at Inter&Co Stadium on Sunday night?

Banda Mindset

The last time the Pride played Utah, Barbra Banda scored a hat trick. I say she does that again to make things easier. Banda was scoring goals for Zambia on international duty, so she just needs to maintain the same mindset as she heads back into NWSL competition. We know she can do it, and I want her to know she can do it, even if the first goal is hard to find. Basically, Banda needs to stay in the right frame of mind so she can put the ball on frame.

The Royals have given up 29 goals so far this season, which is unsurprisingly the worst in the league. Their -18 goal differential is also the league’s worst. In the previous match, the Pride took 13 shots, but managed to put an impressive 11 shots on target. I’m looking for that type of accuracy from Banda and the rest of the attack this weekend.

Fill In for the Brazilians

Marta and Angelina will still be with Brazil for this match, meaning the Pride will need others to step up in their absence. Given that Orlando will be missing two starters, it is all the more important for whoever fills in for the two Brazilians in Seb Hines’ lineup to put in a good performance.

It is time for all the re-signings that have provided depth on this team to show up and show out. Oh, and perhaps we could see some minutes for Grace Chanda? There is no reason why Orlando cannot still dictate terms in the midfield against a team like Utah, no matter who gets the start.

Stop Sentnor

I know it was Brecken Mozingo that scored the goal against the Pride back in May, but I’m more worried about Ally Sentnor. The USWNT forward often causes trouble for the opposition, so I want the defense to lock her down. Fortunately, the entire Pride starting defense should be available.

Anna Moorhouse came back from the Euros with a medal but did not see any playing time. I want her to show the form that earned her the call-up to begin with. There are few back lines as good as Oihane, Emily Sams, Kylie Nadaner, and Cori Dyke/Kerry Abello, though if Rafaelle was back that would be very nice. As long as the team can get back to the defensive mindset that saw the Pride win two trophies last year, I have confidence they can shut down the Royals.

That is what I will be looking for Sunday night. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!