Connect with us

Orlando Pride

Orlando Pride vs. LD Alajuelense, Concacaf W Champions Cup: Final Score 3-0 as Pride Score Three Times in Second Half

The Pride began their Concacaf W Champions Cup campaign on the right foot, defeating LD Alajuelense at home.

Published

12 months ago

on

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

The Orlando Pride (1-0-0, 3 points) were dominant in their first-ever Concacaf W Champions Cup game, defeating Costa Rican side LD Alajuelense (0-1-1, 1 point) 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium tonight. Second-half goals by Julie Doyle, Carson Pickett, and Simone Jackson lifted the Pride to all three points in their tournament opener.

Pride Head Coach Seb Hines made nine changes to the team that lost 2-0 to NJ/NY Gotham FC Friday night. Anna Moorhouse, Kerry Abello, Kylie Nadaner, Rafaelle, Emily Sams, Haley McCutcheon, Angelina, Ally Watt, and Marta were all replaced in the lineup. The only returning starters from Friday night were Ally Lemos and Prisca Chilufya.

The back line in front of goalkeeper McKinley Crone was Grace Chanda, Zara Chavoshi, Cori Dyke, and Oihane. Viviana Villacorta, Lemos, Summer Yates, and Doyle were in the midfield with Jackson and Chilufya up top. Since Marta and Nadaner were both out of the lineup, Oihane wore the armband for the first time as a member of the Pride.

Despite making nine changes to the starting lineup and playing some out of position, the Pride dominated this game from start to finish. The first half was a repeat of the previous games, creating numerous chances but failing to convert. However, things opened up in the second half when the Pride created even more opportunities and finally put some away. Most importantly, they got three points to begin group play.

The Pride got the first attempt of the game in the third minute when Chanda played the ball up the left for Jackson. The attacker used her speed to beat Gabriela Guillen into the box before firing into the outside of the net. Less than a minute later, Chavoshi found Yates making an open run up the middle of the field. As the attacker approached the top of the box, she took a long-distance shot that was blocked by Fabiola Villalobos.

Alajuelense’s first chance of the game came in the sixth minute when a long ball for Sofia Varela sent the attacker behind the Pride back line. Chavoshi caught up, blocking the shot out for a corner kick. The ensuing set piece was over everyone and the Pride were able to clear.

The Pride had another chance in the 17th minute when Villalobos took Yates’ feet out from under her, giving the Pride a free kick near the top of the Alajuelense box. Before the Pride could take the set piece, Crone went down just outside of her box, giving the players a chance for a hydration break. When the goalkeeper was back up and ready to continue, Lemos stood over the ball on her own. The attacker went for goal on the set piece, sending her attempt well over the target.

Jackson had her second shot of the game in the 22nd minute and put this one on frame. It forced Noelia Bermudez to push the ball away, right to the feet of Chilufya. But the Zambian didn’t appear ready for it, sending her shot over the crossbar from close range.

The visitors nearly took the lead in the 27th minute when Kenia Rangel sent Katheryn Arroyo behind Chanda. The forward’s first touch was a shot that was off the crossbar. Valera took possession, immediately losing it to Dyke. However, Dyke and Crone ran into each other, giving it back to Valera. Fortunately, Chanda won the ball and the Pride were able to clear without conceding.

In the 31st minute, Chilufya played the ball to the left for Jackson just outside the box. The attacker spun to beat her defender, shooting on goal. However, Bermudez got her hands to the ball, tipping it over the crossbar. The ensuing free kick went to Chilufya, but she wasn’t able to keep possession, allowing Alajuelense to clear.

Alajuelense had another chance in the 35th minute when Emilie Valenciano was sent long on the right. The midfielder played her cross to the center of the box where Varela was waiting with plenty of space. The forward got her head to the ball but couldn’t turn it on target.

A Jackson blocked shot in the 40th minute ended up with Chilufya on the left side of the box. She laid the ball off for Chanda behind her, who attempted a volley that sailed well high and wide of the target.

In the 42nd minute, Lemos took a shot from outside the box that Bermudez pushed wide. The Pride kept possession and recirculated the ball. Lemos ended up in the same spot, shooting again. This time, the ball was deflected by a defender to Doyle, making a run to the far post. It appeared to be a tap-in for the speedy midfielder, but she put it wide.

In first-half stoppage time, a Jackson cross glanced off the head of a defender for a Pride corner kick. While they couldn’t create anything off the set piece, they retained possession, playing it around for Chanda on the left. The defender went for goal from distance, sending her shot well off target.

After 45 minutes, the Pride had the advantage in possession (67.6%-32.4%), shots (15-5), shots on target (4-1), crosses (15-4), corner kicks (5-1), and passing accuracy (82.7%-63.9%). But they were unable to convert for the seventh consecutive half, keeping the game scoreless at the break.

“I think there was a bit of disappointment, but very optimistic,” Hines said about his team’s attitude in the first half. “They found the gaps that Alajuelense were presenting for us. We’ve managed to find Ally Lemos and Summer Yates in those pockets of space. And then we looked a little bit more direct once we got it in those positions, getting Simone Jackson isolated against the fullback as well.”

Hines made one halftime change, replacing Chilufya with Carson Pickett, who came on at left back and Chanda moved forward into a more attacking role.

“We moved Grace Chanda into a more familiar position. She was doing a job for us at fullback, but you could see that she was uncomfortable there,” Hines said about the change. “So moving her into a higher position was an opportunity for her to showcase her qualities.”

The Pride got the second half to an attacking start, creating multiple chances in the first few minutes. Just 20 seconds in, Yates received the ball from Villacorta near the top of the box. But her shot was blocked by Villalobos. A minute later, Chanda entered the box and took a shot that was blocked. It went straight to Oihane on the end line, who looked to cross, but it was blocked as well, and Alajuelense cleared.

The Pride quickly won possession back and stayed on the attack. Yates played the ball to the left for Jackson, who took Guillen one-on-one. The attacker found space for a shot, hitting it over the crossbar.

In the 49th minute, the Pride finally converted. Villacorta’s shot from outside the box hit Jackson’s leg and went to the left side. Pickett collected it, sending the ball into the center of the 18. Guillen got her foot to it, but it went right to Doyle, who redirected it past Bermudez to give the Pride a deserved 1-0 lead.

The goal was the first for the Pride since their 1-1 draw with Racing Louisville on Aug. 9 (320 minutes). It was the first goal by a Pride player since Chilufya’s goal in the 72nd minute in a 1-1 draw with the Utah Royals on Aug. 3 (428 minutes).

“I think we kind of can get out of our own way, and we know that we can do it because it fell tonight,” Jackson said about how ending the goalless drought will help the team moving forward. “So, there’s no difference between today or another situation where we get the same opportunities. So, it’s recreating the same situations in an NWSL match.”

Pickett played a long diagonal ball across the field in the 52nd minute that Chanda brought down well. The attacker created space from Maria Coto and fired for the near post, but Bermudez blocked it out of play with her left foot. Chanda got her foot to Lemos’ ensuing corner kick, directing it towards goal, but the shot was right into Bermudez’s arms.

The Pride won another corner kick in the 55th minute. This time it was Jackson getting her head to Lemos’ set piece. However, Bermudez got down to her right, blocking the ball wide and allowing her defense to clear.

Villacorta found Doyle at the top of the box in the 57th minute, and the goal scorer laied it back to Lemos with her first touch. After taking a couple of touches forward, Lemos fired from the top of the box, sending her shot just over the crossbar.

Hines made his second change in the 61st minute, replacing Oihane with Sams. It was a straight change, as Sams took over Oihane’s position at right back and Dyke stayed at center back. Shortly after the substitution, Lemos made a run to the end line and her cross was blocked out of play by Valenciano. The ensuing set piece found Jackson’s head at the far post, but she redirected it wide.

In the 63rd minute, the Pride scored a goal worthy of the competition. It started when Doyle dribbled into the box and her low cross was cleared. But Alajuelense couldn’t get it out of their own third before Sams took possession. The right back sent a short pass to Villacorta, who found Pickett on the left corner of the box. The left back hit a rocket past Bermudez and into the top corner on the right to give the Pride a commanding 2-0 lead.

Hines made his third change and used his second window in the 70th minute to replace Lemos with Luana, who accepted the captain’s armband from Sams, who had taken it earlier upon Oihane’s departure. The inclusion of Luana was a momentous one for the Pride. It’s been a long road back for the Brazilian since she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in April 2024. It’s her first appearance in a game since March 29, 2024.

It didn’t take long for Luana to get involved. In the 71st minute, she received a pass from Sams before lifting it into the box for Doyle in between two defenders. The attacker got her head to the ball, but flicked it wide of the goal.

In the 77th minute, Chanda won possession with a collision near the top of the Alajuelense box and Jackson took over. She played it to Luana as she went down and the Brazilian used some nifty footwork to keep possession. Jackson picked it up and played it to Sams entering the box. The right back fired from close range, hitting it well wide of the near post.

The Pride scored a third in the 81st minute when Jackson threw the ball in for Yates. After taking a couple of steps forward, Yates backheeled the ball to Jackson behind her. It was a tight angle for Jackson, but she beat Bermudez to score her first professional goal and give the Pride a 3-0 lead.

Immediately after the goal, Jackson and Yates were replaced by Watt and Elyse Bennett. It was a Pride debut for Bennett, who recently signed a deal through the end of the 2025 NWSL season.

Alajuelense finally created its first second-half attack in the 84th minute when Valera sent substitute Yeslim Alvarado behind Pickett, who fell trying to make the challenge. However, she couldn’t control the ball, allowing Dyke to win it back and knock it wide. Keeping possession, Villalobos sent a cross in for Alvarado, who put this one on goal. But, despite not having to do anything in the second half, Crone got down to make her first save of the half and second save of the game.

Pickett made a run down the left in the 85th minute before finding Luana with plenty of space. The Brazilian had time to put the shot on target, but sent it over the crossbar. A minute later, Pickett made another run down the left, this time finding Chavoshi making a run into the Alajuelense third of the field. The center back took a shot from about 30 yards out, sending it well over the target.

Chanda had a chance to score from distance in the 90th minute when she took possession in the Alajuelense third. The midfielder took her opportunity to shoot, but sent the attempt well off target.

Alajuelense had one last chance in the dying moments to get something positive from the game when Villacorta was called for a foul on Valera. Sianyf Aguero took the set piece, but Crone handled it well. The full time whistle blew immediately after the catch, ending the game.

The Pride ended the game with big advantages in possession (66.5%-33.5%), shots (36-7), shots on target (10-1), crosses (35-5), corner kicks (13-1), and passing accuracy (82.4%-63.8%). Most importantly, they finally converted some of their shots, scoring three goals for the first time since a 3-1 win over the Utah Royals on May 23.

“It’s a really pleasing result. A lot of positives out of the game,” Hines said. “First of all, getting a win, getting that feeling back. Secondily, scoring some goals as well, which we’ve needed. And then, I think the biggest highlight of tonight was getting Luana back onto the field. I think that was a real special moment for everyone. For her to go through what she’s been through, and then go into the field and show her class was so pleasing to see. So a lot of really good moments today.”

“I think with this different lineup, it was like, no pressure, no stress, nothing to lose,” Jackson added. “And that’s kind of like how we were training. We were just like, this is a great opportunity, and we were looking at it as a great opportunity. And I think that’s how we went into it, and we played. We just played. We played free, and it felt good.”

With these three points, the Pride move into a tie with Pachuca after one game. Club America and LD Alajuelense are two points behind, though Alajuelense has played two more games. Chorrillo FC — the Pride’s next opponent in the group stage — sits in last after losing its first game.

The Pride will now jump back into league play, facing the Chicago Stars away from home Sunday afternoon.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Orlando Pride

Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More

The Pride look to end their three-game losing streak as they travel north to face the Washington Spirit.

Published

4 hours ago

on

August 23, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Justin Glatt

Welcome to your match preview and live thread as the Orlando Pride (7-11-2, 23 points) travel north to face the Washington Spirit (11-5-4, 37 points). This is the second and final time the two teams will face each other in the regular season.

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

History

The Pride and Spirit have played 30 times since Orlando joined the NWSL in 2016. The Pride are 9-8-6 in regular-season play against Washington and 11-11-8 in all competitions against the Spirit, adding in Challenge Cup and NWSL playoff matchups. Orlando is 4-4-3 against Washington in NWSL play away from home and 4-6-3 away in all competitions.

The last time these two teams met was on May 2 in Orlando. Sofia Cantore got off to a roaring start, netting a brace inside the first six minutes. Barbra Banda then scored two of her own in the 33rd and 39th minutes to send the game into the break even at 2-2. But the Spirit took over in the second half with goals by Claudia Martinez and Trinity Rodman, sealing a 4-2 victory.

The first meeting of 2025 took place on March 7 as the Pride hosted the NWSL Challenge Cup. Rafaelle netted the opening goal to give the Pride a late first-half lead. Leicy Santos equalized in the second half with a terrific strike, and the game finished tied at 1-1. The Spirit won the ensuing shootout 4-2 to claim the preseason trophy. 

The first league game of 2025 was held on April 19 in Orlando. Gift Monday scored the game’s lone goal in the second half, giving the Spirit the 1-0 win. On Oct. 18, in Washington, D.C., Kerry Abello opened the scoring late in the first half with an own goal, then scored one for her own team three minutes later. Cantore gave the Spirit the lead just before the half, but then Marta came on. The Pride captain’s shot off Narumi Miura equalized early in the second half and she converted a penalty later, after Ally Watt drew the foul, securing the 3-2 win.

The first meeting of 2024 took place April 26 in Washington, D.C. Angelina gave the Pride the early lead before Ouleymata Sarr equalized shortly before halftime. A Banda strike and a Summer Yates penalty conversion in the second half seemed to put the game away, but Anna Moorhouse dropped an easy catch from Ashley Hatch’s shot, giving the Spirit a second goal. Fortunately, the Pride held on for the 3-2 win.

They met a second time on Oct. 6 in Orlando. Despite dominating the game, the Pride didn’t convert until Marta scored early in the second half. Tara McKeown deflected an Adriana shot in for an own goal later, lifting the Pride to a 2-0 win and clinching the NWSL Shield. The Pride and Spirit were the best two teams throughout the season and faced each other in the NWSL Championship on Nov. 23 in Kansas City. Banda’s first-half goal was the difference in the game as the Pride won their first-ever league title.

The first meeting of 2023 took place May 10 at Audi Field in NWSL Challenge Cup group play. Tori Hansen gave the Pride a surprising early lead, but late first-half goals by Lena Silano, Sam Staab, and Marissa Sheva made it 3-1 Washington at halftime. Watt scored off the bench early in the second half, but Ashley Sanchez put the game away in injury time as the Spirit won 4-2.

The first regular-season matchup of 2023 was held May 20 in Orlando. Marta converted a first-half penalty, but Staab equalized five minutes later. Kylie Strom netted the winner late as the Pride won 2-1. The Pride dominated the Spirit in the second regular-season matchup on July 1. Julie Doyle had a brace in the first 16 minutes and a McKeown own goal put the game out of reach as the Pride won 3-0.

The final meeting in 2023 was in the Challenge Cup on Aug. 4 in Orlando. The game appeared to be headed for a scoreless draw until Mariana Speckmaier scored eight minutes into second-half injury time, lifting her team to a 1-0 win.

In 2022, the teams first met on May 27 at Exploria Stadium. Rodman gave the Spirit an early lead and Hatch doubled the advantage after halftime. As the game entered second-half stoppage time, it appeared as though the Pride would fall for the second straight time, but late goals by Mikayla Cluff and Darian Jenkins stunned Washington with a 2-2 draw. The teams met again on July 17 at Audi Field, and the Spirit dominated the game statistically but couldn’t find the back of the net, resulting in a scoreless draw.

Prior to the draw in May, the Pride and Spirit played two games in the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup. The first was a scoreless draw held March 19 in Orlando. The second Challenge Cup meeting took place April 3 at Audi Field. Gunny Jonsdottir scored the team’s first goal in four games. However, the Spirit already had a 3-0 lead. Rodman added another goal as the Pride fell 4-1.

The teams played four times during 2021. On April 21 in the Challenge Cup, Sydney Leroux’s goal helped the Pride win 1-0. The Pride opened their regular season by hosting the Spirit on May 16. Hatch gave Washington the lead, but Alex Morgan equalized to claim a 1-1 draw. The second regular-season meeting that year happened on June 6 in Washington. Hatch opened the scoring, but Taylor Kornieck equalized minutes later, resulting in another 1-1 draw. The teams met for the final time in 2021 on Aug. 22 at Audi Field. Marta gave the Pride the lead, but Hatch equalized just two minutes later. It looked like it would be a third straight 1-1 draw, but Sanchez won it for Washington late.

Due to the pandemic, the Pride and Spirit didn’t play in 2020, but they faced each other three times in 2019, first meeting on July 6 in Orlando. Marta scored a brace in the second half, leading the Pride to a 4-3 win. They played again on Aug. 24 in Washington. Crystal Thomas gave the hosts the lead and Marta equalized. Hatch’s goal lifted the Spirit to a 2-1 win. The final game was supposed to be the following weekend but was postponed due to Hurricane Dorian. The game was eventually played Oct. 9 in Orlando and the Spirit dominated the rubber match, beating the Pride 3-0.

The first of two meetings in 2018 took place March 31 at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Hatch scored a goal and added an assist in a 2-0 win for the Spirit. The Pride got their revenge in the second game in the same location. Alanna Kennedy’s goal was the difference as the Pride won 1-0. The final meeting that year was held July 7 in Orlando. Hatch gave the Spirit the lead, but Leroux scored just before halftime and a Marta goal gave Orlando the 2-1 win.

The 2017 season was the first time the teams played three times in a year. Their April 22 meeting was the Pride’s first home game that year. Line Sigvardsen-Jensen gave the visitors the lead, but Danica Evans answered as the teams drew 1-1. They met for the second time that year in Maryland on July 8 when Marta and Mallory Pugh both scored braces in a 2-2 draw. The final game in 2018 was on Aug. 8 in Orlando. Marta, Camila, and Morgan all scored as the Pride ran away with a 3-0 win.

The Spirit swept the first two meetings in 2016, winning 2-0 in Maryland and 2-1 in Orlando.

Overview

It’s been a nightmare for the Pride since the FIFA World Cup break and it’s not getting any better. The team is 2-6-0 and has lost three consecutive games. The stretch started with Orlando challenging for a home playoff game and has seen the team fall all the way to 13th and four points behind the Seattle Reign for the eighth and final playoff position.

The only real positive this year has been the play of Banda, who leads the league with 12 goals. The striker was coming off an injury when play restarted in early July and then departed for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. But she’s back now, a welcome sight since nobody else on the team has been able to score consistently.

Banda played 65 minutes in her return to action, a 2-1 loss to the Portland Thorns on Aug. 15. She’ll likely start again and play even more minutes.

With Banda absent or playing limited minutes, the Pride have found it hard to score. They’ve been shut out four times and only scored multiple goals in one game, a shocking 3-0 win over the Kansas City Current on July 10.

Unfortunately, the defense hasn’t been any better. The Pride have conceded multiple goals in each of their last three games, including five against the North Carolina Courage on July 31, three against Racing Louisville FC on Aug. 7, and twice on Aug. 15 against Portland.

The Pride need to turn things around, but it won’t be easy today. The Spirit are one of the best teams in the league, currently sitting in second place on 37 points. They’re six points behind Gotham FC atop the standings and are trying to hold off the Utah Royals and San Diego Wave, just one point back.

While the Pride are struggling on both ends of the field, the Spirit have been excellent everywhere. Their 30 goals rank fifth in the league and their 18 goals conceded are second fewest. Their goal difference of +12 is second only to Gotham, which has a goal difference of +13.

If there’s a time to play the Spirit, this might be it. They’ve hit a rough patch the last few games, falling 1-0 to San Diego on Aug. 2, losing 4-3 to North Carolina on Aug. 8, and drawing Angel City FC 1-1 on Aug. 16.

Superstar forward Rodman has led the Spirit attack this year. Her 10 goals place her third behind Banda and North Carolina’s Ashley Sanchez in the NWSL Golden Boot race. She’s followed in goals by Santos and Cantore with five each, Martinez and Rebeca Bernal with three apiece, and Tara Rudd, Monday, and Hal Hershfelt, who have each scored once.

Defensively, the Spirit have been without their leader, goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, who had a baby last month. In her place, Sandy MacIver has done well to keep things heading in the right direction. It helps that she’s had a consistent back line of Kate Wiesner, Esme Morgan, Rudd, and Gabrielle Carle. All four have played at least 16 of the team’s 20 games this year. Helping matters for the Washington defense is the return of central midfielder Andi Sullivan from injury.

“It’s always a tough game going to Washington. They have a good set of players,” Pride Head Coach Seb Hines said about today’s opponent. “Historically, we’ve done all right there over the last couple of occasions we’ve been to Audi Field. That should give us a lot of confidence that we can go out there and get three points.”

The Pride will take the field today without Kylie Nadaner (maternity leave), Viviana Villacorta (knee), Marta (excused absence), Kerry Abello (thigh), and Solai Washington (head). The Spirit are without Melissa Bethi (excused absence), Lucia Di Guglielmo (lower leg), Kingsbury (maternity leave), Casey Krueger (maternity leave), Monique Ngock (excused absence), and Santos (hip).

Projected Lineups

Orlando Pride (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Anna Moorhouse.

Defenders: Hailie Mace, Rafaelle, Cori Dyke, Oihane.

Defensive Midfielders: Ally Lemos, Angelina.

Attacking Midfielders: Jacquie Ovalle, Haley McCutcheon, Nicole Payne.

Forward: Barbra Banda.

Washington Spirit (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Sandy MacIver.

Defenders: Kate Wiesner, Esme Morgan, Tara Rudd, Gabrielle Carle.

Defensive Midfielders: Rebeca Bernal, Andi Sullivan.

Attacking Midfielders: Trinity Rodman, Hal Hershfelt, Paige Metayer.

Forward: Sofia Cantore.

Referees

REF: Matthew Corrigan.
AR1: Colin Ashley.
AR2: Tom Felice.
4TH: Max Alatorre.
VAR: Shawn Tehini.
AVAR: Brian Marshall.

How to Watch

Match Time: 4 p.m.

Venue: Audi Field — Washington, D.C.

TV: ESPN2.

Streaming: ESPN App.

Social Media: For live updates and rapid reaction, follow @themaneland.bsky.social and the Orlando Pride’s official Twitter (@ORLPride) or Bluesky (@orlpride.com) feed.

Enjoy the game. Go Pride!

Continue Reading

Orlando Pride

The Orlando Pride Turn to New Additions Amid Injuries, Absences

The Pride have been forced to accelerate the integration of their newest additions.

Published

6 days ago

on

August 17, 2026

By

Image of Orlando Pride forward Gabi Nunes.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Justin Glatt

The Orlando Pride have suffered some significant injuries and absences all season, but especially in recent weeks, forcing Head Coach Seb Hines to turn to his newest players sooner than expected.

The Pride signed 19-year-old midfielder Zoe Matthews on July 16 and veteran forward Gabi Nunes on Aug. 4 with the intention of gradually integrating both into the squad. Instead, injuries and a key international absence have accelerated that timeline, calling on both attackers to contribute before Hines originally planned.

Barbra Banda missed time while representing Zambia at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where Zambia finished third in Group C and was eliminated Aug. 5. Banda was then able to return to Orlando, but her absence came during an important stretch of the Pride’s season.

The Pride entered their match against Portland having scored 22 goals through 17 games, an average of just 1.29 goals per game. They’ve also struggled to score during their recent run, scoring only once across their losses to the North Carolina Courage and Racing Louisville FC before Saturday’s game in Portland.

That has made the timing of the arrivals of Matthews and Nunes particularly important.

Matthews was the first to make her debut, appearing off the bench on July 31 in a 5-0 loss in North Carolina. The teenager’s appearance came just 15 days after her signing. While Hines would have preferred to give her more time to get comfortable with her new surroundings, the Pride needed another option off the bench.

“It happened sooner than we would’ve wanted to,” Hines said after Matthews’ debut. “We needed her to get up to speed, but we needed options off the bench. And we felt Zoe was an option off the bench.”

Matthews’ debut came on the same night Marta suffered a head injury, adding to the Pride’s list of absences. The timing meant that while Matthews was still learning her new team, the Pride were also losing one of the team’s most experienced and influential players.

Nunes faced a similar situation, with even less time to prepare.

The Pride signed the 29-year-old forward Aug. 4, and she made her debut Saturday night against Portland Thorns FC just 11 days later. Nunes entered as a second-half substitute as the Pride searched for an attacking spark, eventually falling 2-1 after the Thorns scored in second-half stoppage time.

Hines acknowledged that the circumstances surrounding Nunes’ debut were not what he had envisioned.

“We would’ve liked to enter (Nunes) in different circumstances,” Hines said. “She hasn’t trained with the team too much since she came in here.”

Nunes arrived with extensive professional and international experience, but even an experienced player needs time to learn a new team’s system and develop chemistry with new teammates. In Nunes’ case, that process has been compressed because the Pride need attacking options immediately.

Hines also indicated that Orlando is being mindful of Nunes’ physical readiness. After noting that she had not trained much with the team, he said the Pride need to make sure they are “doing the right things” by following the recommendations of the medical staff.

The Pride have not publicly indicated that Nunes is dealing with a specific injury, so Hines’ comments should not necessarily be interpreted as meaning she arrived in Orlando injured or recovering from an injury. They do, however, show that the club is considering her physical workload as she adjusts to a new team after having limited training time.

The situation leaves Hines balancing two competing needs.

On one hand, Matthews and Nunes need time. Matthews is 19 and is adjusting to professional soccer in Orlando, while Nunes is learning a new system and new teammates in the middle of a season.

On the other hand, the Pride need them.

The Pride have struggled to score consistently throughout the season, increasing the importance of every available attacking option. They entered Saturday’s match in Portland having scored only 22 goals through the first 17 games.

The recent results have made the problem more pressing. The Pride lost 1-0 to Utah on July 18, were thumped by North Carolina on July 31, and lost 3-1 to Racing Louisville on Aug. 8 before Saturday’s defeat in Portland. The only positive result in that stretch was a 1-0 win over the last-place Chicago Stars at home on July 24.

Their inability to consistently produce goals has made the addition of Nunes particularly important. She was not brought in simply to add another name to the roster. She was brought in to provide another attacking option during a stretch when the Pride needed one.

But Hines can’t expect Nunes to immediately replace what the team has been missing.

There is a learning curve involved. A forward needs to understand where teammates want the ball, when they make runs, and how the team creates chances. Those connections normally develop through weeks of training and matches.

Nunes has had 11 days. Matthews has had only a little longer. The Pride have essentially been forced to shorten that learning curve.

There can be benefits to getting new players onto the field quickly. Competitive matches provide opportunities that training can’t completely replicate, allowing players to experience the speed and pressure of their new environment while learning how their teammates play.

But Hines’ comments make clear that this was not necessarily the preferred plan. With Matthews, the Pride needed an option off the bench. With Nunes, they needed an attacking option despite her limited time with the team.

The circumstances have made patience difficult.

The Pride’s loss to Portland was the club’s third consecutive defeat, dropping Orlando to 7-11-2 on the season and 11th in the NWSL standings. With 10 regular-season matches remaining, the team has little time to wait for its newest players to become fully comfortable before asking them to contribute.

The next opportunity comes Sunday away to the Washington Spirit.

By then, Matthews will have had more time with the team. Nunes will have had another week of training and another opportunity to understand what Hines wants from her.

That time could make a difference. For now, however, the Pride have had to ask their newest players to learn on the job. The circumstances are not ideal and Hines has said as much about both players. But with Marta unavailable, Banda having missed time for international duty, and an attack searching for more goals, the Pride have needed options sooner than expected.

Matthews and Nunes were brought in to help the Pride over the final stretch of the season. The final stretch simply arrived for them earlier than planned.

Continue Reading

Orlando Pride

Orlando Pride vs. Portland Thorns FC: Final Score 2-1 as Pride Fall on Late Goal

The Pride conceded a second-half stoppage time goal to lose their third consecutive game.

Published

1 week ago

on

August 16, 2026

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Justin Glatt

The Orlando Pride (7-11-2, 23 points) lost their third consecutive game Saturday night, falling 2-1 to Portland Thorns FC (10-6-4, 34 points) at Providence Park in Portland, OR. Deyna Castellanos gave the hosts the lead in the 58th minute before Jacquie Ovalle equalized in the 63rd minute. But a second-half, stoppage-time goal by Caiya Hanks doomed the Pride to another defeat.

Seb Hines made four changes to the team that fell 3-1 to Racing Louisville FC on Aug. 8. Oihane, Haley McCutcheon, Solai Washington, and Barbra Banda re-entered the lineup, replacing Zara Chavoshi, Angelina, Nicole Payne, and Simone Jackson.

The back line in front of goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was Hailie Mace, Rafaelle, Cori Dyke, and Oihane. Ally Lemos and McCutcheon were the defensive midfielders behind Ovalle, Washington, and Julie Doyle with Banda up top.

This was a game of two halves. The Pride were the better team in the first 45 minutes and the Thorns dominated the second period of play. However, while the Pride were unable to convert on nine first-half shots, some poor goalkeeping and lackadaisical defending allowed Portland to claim all three points.

The Pride had a great opportunity to take the early lead in the third minute when Ovalle played the ball back for Mace and the left back sent a long ball over the top for Banda. The striker got behind the Portland back line and was in on goal but her first touch was a shot wide.

In the fifth minute, Nina Nijstad fouled Ovalle near the Thorns box, giving the Pride a second opportunity. Lemos lifted the ball into the box and Banda outjumped her defenders to redirect it on target. But the header was right into goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold’s arms.

Doyle made a strong run into the Portland third of the field in the 10th minute before finding Ovalle near the top of the box. The midfielder’s first touch was a shot on target, but — similar to the Banda chance — was right at Arnold.

Mace played Washington down the left in the 14th minute and the young attacker found Doyle making a run to the top of the six-yard box. Doyle attempted to redirect the ball on target with her first touch, sending the ball over the crossbar. Doyle had another chance in the 16th minute near the top of the Portland box. The attacker took a long-distance shot that again sailed over the target.

The Thorns finally created their first shot of the game in the 18th minute. Pietra Tordin made a strong run into the Pride third and cut inside to create space between two defenders. The attacker fired from outside the box and Moorhouse felt it was worthy of a dive. However, the ball curved wide of the far post.

Washington played Banda to the top of the Thorns box in the 23rd minute. The striker dribbled across the middle as she attempted to find space for a shot. It looked like she’d have a clear attempt, but Isabella Obaze made a last-ditch slide to deflect the ball wide. The Pride weren’t able to create anything from the ensuing corner kick, ending the attack.

McCutcheon fouled Castellanos in the Pride third of the field in the 29th minute, providing an opportunity for the attacker. Castellanos went for goal and was able to make the ball dip, but it wasn’t quick enough as the shot was over the top of the goal.

Washington forced Arnold into a good save in the 32nd minute. The play began when some quick passing gave Banda possession at the top of the Thorns box. The striker laid the ball off for Lemos, who sent it forward and to the left for Washignton. The attacker brought the ball down nicely and fired on target, but Arnold pushed the ball wide of her near post.

Oihane sent a low cross into the box for Banda in the 37th minute, but the striker got the ball caught in her feet. Four defenders quickly converged, forcing the ball to the top of the box. Both Lemos and Ovalle approached, attempting to shoot from outside of the area. Lemos was the one to take the shot, sending her attempt out of the reach of the diving Arnold but wide of the goal.

While possession was split in the first 45 minutes, the Pride created most of the chances. They ended the first half with more shots (9-2), shots on target (3-0), and corner kicks (6-0). However, a good save by Arnold — and some shots directly at her — kept the game scoreless.

The first chance of the second half was for the Thorns after Doyle fouled M.A. Vignola, earning a yellow card. Castellanos played the set piece to Marie Muller, whose shot from 35 yards out was over the target. Vignola then made a strong run past Washington and Doyle before sending a low cross into the box. Lemos blocked it, but Portland kept possession. Castellanos’ ball into the box found Muller, who took an off-balance shot that Rafaelle blocked. She had a second attempt but couldn’t get much on it, sending the ball wide.

Jessie Fleming carried the ball into the Pride third in the 58th minute, finding Tordin at the top of the box. McCutcheon defended her well, forcing her to play it wide for Castellanos. The attacker sent the ball towards the far post, lifting it over Moorhouse — who was off her line — to give the Thorns the 1-0 lead. Moorhouse seemed to have a shot at tipping it over at the last minute, but she never attempted a jump, continuing a trend of poor goals conceded by the Pride in 2026.

The Thorns had all the momentum in the game and attempted to use it to double their advantage. Castellanos dribbled into the Pride third of the field in the 60th minute before finding Sophia Wilson to her right. Portland’s leading goal scorer settled the ball and put it on target, but Moorhouse was there to block it away.

The Pride quickly went the other way, looking for an equalizer. McCutcheon played Ovalle over the midfield stripe and continued her run into the Portland box. In the meantime, Ovalle played the ball to Doyle on the right, and the midfielder sent a cross to the top of the six-yard box. McCutcheon got her head on the ball, but put it straight into the ground. It caused little concern for Arnold, who easily fell on the attempt.

Mace intercepted a poor pass in the 62nd minute and found Ovalle entering the Portland third of the field. Ovalle’s pass into the box was touched on by Banda behind Doyle. Banda followed the ball and took possession but lost it to Vignola, who was able to clear the danger.

The Pride regained possession, resulting in the equalizing goal. Lemos played it forward for Banda and the striker shielded her defender, allowing Doyle to take possession. Doyle played it wide for Oihane, who sent a lovely cross to the top of the six-yard box. As Arnold came off her line, the ball bounced off her, a defender, and Ovalle, rolling over the line to even the game at 1-1 in the 63rd minute.

“Jules gave me a great ball. I had a lot of time to think about it,” Oihane said. “I saw Jacquie going in and I just crossed it and it went in. So, that’s a good idea and we need to keep going and doing those things.”

Hines made his first two substitutions of the game in the 65th minute. Angelina and Summer Yates entered the contest, replacing Banda and Doyle.

“We would’ve liked for her to have played the whole game,” Hines said about Banda. “But we have to take the recommendations from the medical staff. It’s incredibly difficult becuase she’s such a high impact for us.”

The Pride head coach made his third change in the 76th minute, replacing Oihane with Chavoshi.

In the 77th minute, Ovalle attempted a back heel pass to Yates that Fleming intercepted. Tordin battled with the Pride defenders, resulting in the ball popping out to Fleming. With time and space to shoot, Fleming sent her shot just wide of a diving Moorhouse and the post.

Tordin won a battle with Mace for the ball in the 86th minute, playing the ball through a falling Rafaelle and into the Pride box. Wilson took possession and had plenty of time and space for a shot as Moorhouse came off her line to cut the angle down. The Pride goalkeeper did well to block the shot with her legs and fall on the rebound to keep the game even.

Hines made his fourth substitution in the 89th minute, replacing Rafaelle with Zoe Matthews.

The fourth official showed eight minutes of stoppage time, giving both teams an opportunity to find a winning goal. In the foruth minute, Vignola fouled Yates near the right sideline in the Portland third of the field. Lemos’ set piece found Matthews just inside the box. The new signing tried to head it on target, but she was unable to get over it, allowing Arnold to make the easy catch.

In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Portland found the winner. The Pride were unable to clear the ball out of their half, allowing Vignola to take possession on the left. The defender played the ball centrally for second-half substitute Hanks, who dribbled to the top of the box before curling the ball around Moorhouse and inside the far post.

Hines made an attacking change in the eighth minute of stoppage time, replacing Mace with Gabi Nunes. It was a Pride debut for Nunes, who joined the team on Aug. 4.

“We would’ve liked to enter (Nunes) in different circumstances,” Hines said. “She hasn’t trained with the team too much since she came in here. We’ve got to make sure we’re doing the right things, taking the recommendations from the medical staff.”

It was a desperate attempt to get something from the game. Unfortunately, the Pride were unable to create any more opportunities and lost a tough one away from home.

At full time, the Thorns had slightly more possession (51%-49%) and better passing accuracy (79%-77%). The Pride ended the game with more shots (12-10), shots on target (6-4), and corner kicks (6-0). But poor finishing and two long-distance conversions saw the Pride lose their third-straight game.

“I thought we were terrific in the first half. I thought we came to Providence Park with loads of intent. Put them under pressure. Didn’t create any clear-cut opportunities, but we had a lot of good momentum,” Hines said. “The first-half was terrific, and have to give the players the compliments because they were aggressive, they put Portland under immense pressure. And second half was fairly balanced. Obviously, they created some opportunities. So, disappointed with the first goal. Can we get a little more pressure? it’s a great strike from that distance. And then we get ourselves back in the game and stuff happens. It’s just not going our way with some of the calls, bounce of the ball, those kind of things. I’ve got to say, everyone is absolutely devastated. We put all the hard work into today’s performance and you hate to lose in that manner. You hate to lose, but to lose in that manner that we did is devastating.”

“Obviously, disappointed with the result. But I think we had a good game,” Oihane added. “We just needed to focus on the small details and score on the opportunities that we have.”

The Pride continue their string of poor results since returning from the FIFA World Cup break. They’ve now lost six of their last eight games, seeing them tumble from the top half of the playoff spots to 11th place. The teams around them all have games in hand, including the Houston Dash, who have played two fewer games and are only three points back. That means the Pride could fall even further in the standings.

The Pride will continue this tough road trip when they face the Washington Spirit on Aug 23.

Continue Reading

Trending