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Orlando Pride vs. Seattle Reign FC: Final Score 3-2 as Pride Rebound in Second Half for Seventh Straight Win

The Pride outlast Seattle Reign FC 3-2 for their seventh consecutive win.

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4 months ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

The Orlando Pride (7-0-3, 24 points) continued their undefeated start to the season with a 3-2 win today against Seattle Reign FC (2-7-1, 7 points). The Pride took an early 2-0 lead with goals by Emily Sams and Barbra Banda, but the hosts came back with goals from Angharad James-Turner and Bethany Balcer. Banda’s second of the day in the 58th minute proved to be the difference as the Pride won yet again.

Pride Head Coach Seb Hines made two changes to the lineup that beat Bay FC 1-0 last Saturday. Ally Lemos and Marta entered the lineup, replacing Morgan Gautrat and Julie Doyle. While Doyle started the game on the bench, Gautrat wasn’t in the team. The back line in front of goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was Kerry Abello, Kylie Strom, Rafaelle, and Sams. Haley McCutcheon and Lemos were in the defensive midfield behind Summer Yates, Marta, and Adriana, with Banda up top.

It looked like the Pride would run away with this one when they took a 2-0 lead inside 20 minutes and appeared to have scored a third. However, the Reign didn’t give up and scored on either side of halftime to make it 2-2. Unlike previous years, the Pride didn’t fall apart after losing the lead and found a winner from their star striker. It was another one-goal affair — their sixth in seven wins — in which the Pride had to hold on for dear life as they attempted to see out the victory.

The Reign got off to the more aggressive start, creating two chances inside the first three minutes. In the second minute, Tziarra King blocked a clearance attempt and it went to Jess Fishlock. The midfielder played the ball across to former Pride midfielder James-Turner, who shot on goal. It was heading inside the post, but Moorhouse did well to get down and collect it.

A minute later, Ji So-Yun sent an aerial ball across the field for Balcer, who quickly played it wide for Sofia Huerta. The right back found Fishlock in the box and the Welsh international attempted a first-touch shot, but she couldn’t get solid contact, sending the ball well off target.

The Pride got their first chance of the game in the seventh minute when Reign goalkeeper Laurel Ivory got a little too cute with the ball. Attempting to dribble around pressure, her clearance was blocked, ending up at the feet of Banda. The Pride’s leading scorer’s first touch was a shot, but she sent the attempt over the crossbar.

Two minutes later, the Pride grabbed the lead. It started with a long ball down the right for Marta. The Pride captain sent it to the top of the box, where Yates brought it down, but a defender got a foot to it. Fortunately, it went right to Sams, whose first touch was a shot inside the post to give the Pride an early 1-0 lead.

“I just wanted to support the play,” Sams said about her goal. “And it just happened to fall to me and I just took my chance and I scored.”

Since Sams played primarily as a center back last season, she hasn’t had many opportunities to score. However, Hines has deployed her as a right back at times this year, including in this game, and, as a result, she scored her first NWSL goal.

“She finished it like a forward as some would say,” Hines said about the defender scoring her first goal. “Em has done brilliant in having to shift into a new position and she’s embraced it. I think sort of her one-v-one defending’s been brilliant recently and so she gets her reward for going up and supporting the attack, and it’s a lovely finish with her left foot. So yeah, it was a great goal from Em. And if she continues to play that position at right back, maybe there’s a few more down the stretch of the season.”

The Pride’s attacking Brazilians tried to combine for a chance in the 13th minute when Adriana sent a cross into the box for Marta. She got her head to the ball and tried to redirect it on goal, but wasn’t in front of the net at the time. As a result, the header went wide.

The Pride doubled their lead in the 18th minute when a poor clearance was intercepted and sent forward for Adriana. The playmaker used some fancy footwork to create space for a cross, sending it across the face of the goal. Ivory could only get her fingers to it as the ball got past her. Banda was left wide open near the back post and simply headed the ball in to give the visitors a 2-0 lead.

In the 25th minute, King tried to catch Moorhouse by surprise after receiving the ball from Balcer. The attacker took a shot from distance, but Moorhouse was able to block it to her side. It was a good stop as the shot was taken from the shadows and into the sunlight.

Balcer had a great chance for herself in the 26th minute when King found her on the far side. The forward outmuscled Abello to get in on goal, but Moorhouse came out strong. Balcer got a shot off, but right into Moorhouse. The attempt bounced off Balcer and out for a goal kick, ending the threat.

The Pride put a third ball in the net in the 31st minute when Marta sent a long ball across the field for Yates. The midfielder took on Lauren Barnes, beating the defender. However, Barnes left a foot out, tripping Yates and giving the Pride a free kick.

The ensuing set piece was sent into the Reign box where Banda got a slight touch to it, but not enough to send it on goal. Instead, it popped up for Strom to get her head on it and give the Pride a 3-0 lead.

Before the game could restart, the video assistant referee called down for referee Elijio Arreguin to take a closer look. After further review, Arreguin determined that Banda was offside on the initial ball as she attempted to get behind the back line, disallowing the goal and keeping the game 2-0.

Moorhouse was forced into another save in the 36th minute when the ball was tipped off of Ji’s foot. It went directly to Fishlock well outside of the box and the midfielder took a long attempt at goal. The shot appeared hard to see, but the Pride goalkeeper tipped it over the crossbar for a corner kick.

The ensuing set piece was cleared out but only to James-Turner, whose shot was aiming for the top corner. Moorhouse wasn’t going to get to the attempt, but it was just over the target.

In the first minute of first-half stoppage time, King attempted a shot from inside the Pride box that was blocked by Rafaelle. The Reign retained possession and a long ball was sent into the box for Balcer. However, it was too far ahead of the forward, who pushed Sams into Moorhouse and was booked.

It looked like Adriana would have a chance to get on the scoresheet a minute later when she received the ball in the box from Banda. The Brazilian attempted to cut back and lose Huerta, going down in the process. There was some contact, but the referee determined it wasn’t enough and the Reign were able to clear.

During the final minute of stoppage time, the hosts got a goal back. Ji sent a pass to the top of the box, where James-Turner met it. The midfielder took a shot that likely would’ve been saved by Moorhouse, but it deflected off Strom and went into the corner of the goal, cutting the Pride lead to 2-1.

That was the final attack of the half. After 45 minutes, the Reign had more possession (54%-46%), shots (8-4), shots on target (6-2), and corner kicks (2-1), as well as better passing accuracy (82%-80%). But the two goals and some good goalkeeping by Moorhouse had the Pride leading at the break.

“Just get closer to our opponent. I think we gave them a little bit too much space. And then tactically, offensively, he told us to do a better job of finding Barbara on the front line,” Sams said about Hines’ halftime instructions. “And I think if we’re able to keep the ball more, we don’t really have to worry about the defending side so much if we can keep it and keep adding goals. So that was kind of the halftime talk.”

Hines made one halftime change, replacing Yates with Doyle.

The goal just before halftime seemed to spark the hosts as they began the second half on the attack. In the 46th minute, King received the ball on the left, shielded her defender, and attempted to send the ball across the face of the goal. However, Moorhouse was able to block it away. The Pride were unable to clear the ball and Ji gained possession. The South Korean shot from distance, but it was off target.

A minute later, the Reign found the equalizer. It started in the Pride box when halftime substitute Shae Holmes won the ball from Banda and sent it forward. Two passes later, Fishlock sent a long ball to Balcer behind the Pride’s back line. The forward lifted the ball over Moorhouse to even the game at 2-2.

The hosts continued their attack and created another shot in the 51st minute. It was Ji again creating space and attempting a shot from long range. However, it was blocked and the Pride gained possession before it got close to Moorhouse.

The Pride created their first good chance of the second half in the 54th minute when Olivia Van der Jagt fouled Marta. The Pride captain took the set piece, sending a dangerous ball into the box. It somehow went through several players before going out for a goal kick.

In the 57th minute, King knocked the ball out of play while trying to shield it from Lemos. The Pride rookie took the corner kick, which was punched out wide by Ivory. It went right back to Lemos, who sent in a shot that went over the arm of Ivory and off the crossbar. The ball was sent out of play by a Reign defender and the Pride had a corner kick on the other side.

The second corner kick was taken by Marta and headed through by Alana Cook. However, it didn’t get very far, enabling Banda to get her foot on the ball. The defense gave the star striker too much space and Banda turned to score her second goal of the game, taking back the lead for the Pride.

The Pride nearly doubled their lead in the 62nd minute through their captain. Banda made a good run down the right, beating her defender, and sent a cross into the box. It was a little behind Marta, but she was able to get her foot around the ball and put it on target. Ivory made an excellent save with her foot to keep it out of the net and her team’s deficit at one goal.

Hines made his second change in the 63rd minute and it was a defensive one, as Cori Dyke came in for Adriana.

In the 73rd minute, Lemos committed an unnecessary foul on Phoebe McClernon, giving the Reign a free kick in a dangerous position. Ji played it short for Huerta, who sent the ball towards the far post. It looked like the ball was going out of play, but stayed in. It resulted in a shot that was blocked and the Pride were able to clear.

A Pride throw-in in the 75th minute resulted in an interesting situation as Abello sent Banda down the left. Cook was unable to keep up with the striker, but pulled her back and then put her studs into Banda’s stomach. Banda required medical attention, but was able to continue. While the play was checked for a possible red card, it wasn’t given.

When Banda got up, Hines made two more changes. Brianna Martinez and Ally Watt came into the game for Marta and Lemos.

After being booked late in the first half, Balcer received her second yellow card in the 83rd minute. Upset with a foul call, she approached the referee while her team made a substitution. Arreguin clearly wasn’t happy with what she said, giving her a second yellow card and a subsequent red card. As a result, the Reign had to finish the game with 10 players.

The Pride had chances to make the player advantage pay off. In the 88th minute, they had a three-on-three, but Abello lost control before she could play one of her teammates on either side of her. In the 90th minute, Banda made a strong run and had Watt to her right. Unfortunately, the pass was too soft and the Pride lost possession.

The Pride made their final change after the missed opportunity as Amanda Allen entered the game for Banda.

The Pride did well defensively to limit opportunities, but the Reign had a good chance in the seventh minute of stoppage time. A long ball into the box by Cook was headed out by Sams, but only to Emeri Adames. The substitute had plenty of space to shoot from just outside of the box, sending the attempt over the target.

That was the last chance for either team as the Pride held on for their seventh straight win and their first in Seattle. At full time, the Reign had more possession (52%-48%), shots (15-8), and shots on target (10-6), with better passing accuracy (81%-80%). The Pride had more corner kicks (4-2), crosses (18-14), and most importantly, outscored the Reign 3-2.

“I thought the first 43 minutes of the game, we were really good. I thought we played some terrific football, playing between the lines, caused a lot of problems, and to concede so late on in the first half is something that we need to reflect and review moving forward,” Hines said about the game. “And then the second half, I mean it was a grind. It was great determination. Going through that adversity as well. conceding so early on in the second half, to come back and get that third goal was really important for us.”

“I think the first half was definitely the better half. I think we did well, got those two goals, but letting in the goal at the very end, I think kind of gave them some momentum,” Sams added about the performance. “And then I think the second half we kind of let our standards drop and we had to fight for that win. We got the win and that’s amazing (and) shows our character. So obviously we’re satisfied with that.”

The win extends the Pride’s winning streak to seven games — the longest in team history — and ties the league record held by, coincidentally, the Seattle Reign in 2014. Their unbeaten run extends to 10 games and they move into sole possession of first place after the Kansas City Current drew yesterday.

“It’s a great feeling to have that record and it just shows the world how strong we are,” Rafaelle said about the seven straight wins. “A lot of people doubted us in the beginning of the season. Now, we’re proving that we’re a good team and we have a good chance to win the shield, but also we want to break the record. We’re going to play at home next game. We’re going to try everything to win that game and break the record.”

Additionally, this is the first time that Pride have ever won a game in Washington. The two teams have now faced off nine times in the Evergreen State and the Pride are 1-5-3 all-time. It’s another first in what is quickly becoming the best season in team history.

The Pride will look to break the NWSL record for consecutive wins, remain unbeaten, and stay in first place Friday night when they host the Portland Thorns.

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

The Pride return home tonight as they welcome the Houston Dash.

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8 hours ago

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September 28, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

The Orlando Pride (15-0-6, 51 points) look to continue their strong form as they return home to face the Houston Dash (4-12-5, 17 points). This is the second and final time the Pride and Dash will play this season.

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

History

The Pride and Dash have played 21 times since the Pride joined the NWSL in 2016. Orlando has a record of 8-9-2 against the Dash in regular-season play and a 5-4-1 regular-season record at home. Additionally, the teams played two Fall Series games in 2020, both of which were won by the Dash.

The most recent meeting between the two teams was on Aug. 23 in Houston. Angelina sent Summer Yates through in the 67th minute, giving the Pride the lead. Andressa nearly equalized in the 86th minute, hitting the post, but the Pride held on for the 1-0 win.

The first matchup between the teams last year was on June 3, 2023 in Houston. The Pride had trouble playing the ball out of the back and were hit on the counterattack, leading to a difficult night. Sophie Hirst gave the hosts the lead early and Michelle Alozie doubled the advantage just before halftime. Despite having more possession and shots, the Pride fell 2-0. The second game was on Oct. 15 in Orlando. While the Pride were the better team, the game was scoreless heading into the late stages. However, a late penalty conversion by Marta gave the Pride the 1-0 win. 

The first meeting in 2022 was on June 3 in Houston. The hosts were led by a Nichelle Prince hat trick, while Rachel Daly and Alozie added goals in a 5-0 Dash win. It was the last game the Pride played before then-head coach Amanda Cromwell was placed on administrative leave. The return game was on July 8, 2022 in Orlando. Ally Prisock’s own goal was the only scoring as the Pride took the 1-0 win, the second result in a seven-game unbeaten run.

The Pride and Dash played twice during the 2021 season. The first game was on June 26 in Houston. Maria Sanchez and Veronica Latsko gave the hosts a 2-0 lead. Gunny Jonsdottir got one back, but it wasn’t enough as the Dash won 2-1. The second meeting came on Sept. 5 at Exploria Stadium. The Dash took an early lead through Daly. However, Taylor Kornieck equalized late, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

The 2020 NWSL season was canceled due to COVID but these two teams were matched up in the Fall Series. On Sept. 26, 2020 in Houston, Prince put the Dash ahead, but Marisa Viggiano responded just before halftime. Sophie Schmidt gave the hosts another lead and Shea Groom put the game away as Houston took a 3-1 win. The two teams played again on Oct. 9 at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee — the only time the Pride have played at the venue. Groom opened the scoring early and Latsko soon made it 2-0. Sydney Leroux got one back for the hosts, but Houston held on for a 2-1 win.

The Pride and Dash played three times in 2019, with the Pride going 0-2-1. During the first game in Houston on May 5, the Pride only recorded one shot on target. However, Houston only got one goal through Kealia Ohai in a 1-0 win. The second game on June 15 was also in Houston. Joanna Boyles scored her first professional goal to give the Pride the lead, but the Dash scored twice to take the advantage. A Danica Evans conversion allowed the Pride to escape the Oven with a 2-2 draw.

The third and final meeting in 2019 occurred on Aug. 10 in Orlando. The Pride ended the game with nine players as Julie King was sent off in the 61st minute and Marta was sent off in the 85th minute. However, the Dash were only able to convert once — a late penalty by Daly — and won 1-0.

The teams played three times during the 2018 season. The first game was on April 22 in Orlando. Chioma Ubogagu scored the lone goal, leading the Pride to a 1-0 win. They met again in Orlando on June 27. Alex Morgan opened the scoring and the Pride held that lead at the break. But the second half was all Houston, as Ohai and Sofia Huerta scored, resulting in a 2-1 Houston win. The final meeting that season was on July 11 in Houston, where Daly’s brace led the Dash to a 3-1 win. 

The Pride and Dash played twice during the 2017 season and the visiting team won both games. The first was on June 17 in Houston. Camila and Alanna Kennedy added to a Marta brace as the Pride took a commanding 4-0 lead. The Dash tried to come back with goals by Poliana and Prince, but the Pride took home a 4-2 win. A week later in Orlando, Carli Lloyd and Daly scored in a 2-0 Houston win. 

The teams met four times during the 2016 season — the Pride’s first in existence. The first meeting was the Pride’s first-ever regular-season home game on April 23. An Andressa own goal gave the Pride the lead just after the half before Lianne Sanderson and Morgan made it 3-0 for the hosts. Andressa scored one for her own team, but that was it for Houston as the Pride won 3-1 in front of a then-NWSL record 23,403 fans.

The second meeting was in Houston on May 20. Kristen Edmonds scored the only goal in the 81st minute as the Pride won 1-0. The third meeting that year came on June 23 in Orlando. Jasmyne Spencer broke the scoreless deadlock in second-half injury time as the Pride won 1-0. The fourth and final meeting came on Sept. 3 in Houston. The Dash took a 3-0 lead with goals by Janine Beckie, Poliana, and Ohai. Morgan and Edmonds got the Pride back into the game, but Ohai put it away with her second in a 4-2 Dash win.

Overview

The Pride have already broken multiple records this season and they’re on the cusp of more. They currently have the longest winning streak in league history, the longest unbeaten run in league history, and Anna Moorhouse set a new league record for clean sheets in a season by a single goalkeeper in the team’s 1-0 win at Bay FC.

The last goal conceded by the Pride was in their 2-1 win on July 6 over the Kansas City Current, the last game before the league’s Olympic break. Since the return to action, the Pride have had five consecutive clean sheets. The current streak tied the league record for most consecutive clean sheets, so one tonight would set another league record.

The team standing in the way of the Pride and that league record is the Dash, who sit in 13th of the 14-team league. Eight points below the eighth and final playoff spot, they’re only two points ahead of the Utah Royals for last place. It’s been a tough year for the Texas-based team, which has scored a league-worst 14 goals. Defensively, the Dash have conceded 33 goals, the fifth most in the league this season.

The first meeting between these teams was the first game after the Olympic break. The Dash lost their first four games following the league’s restart, breaking that streak with a 1-0 win over the Seattle Reign on Sept. 21.

Diana Ordonez is the only Dash player with multiple goals this season, leading the team with five. Eight other players have scored once this year. The team’s assists have also been spread pretty evenly with Avery Patterson leading the team with two and six others have tallied one.

Tonight, Houston will look to make a big push for the playoffs by handing the Pride their first loss of the season. It will be a tall task against a team that has been very impressive on their home field.

“I think it’s the same for anyone who comes here. You know, every team’s looking to take points off us,” Pride Head Coach Seb Hines said about tonight’s game. “I think what we’ve done really well is made it difficult for teams to try to take points off us and we’ll just continue to do that against Houston on Saturday.”

The Pride are without six players tonight, including Grace Chanda (thigh), Simone Charley (ankle), Luana (illness), Sofia Manner (concussion), Haley McCutcheon (foot), and Megan Montefusco (heel). The Dash will be without Ramona Bachman (thigh), Belle Briede (concussion), Natalie Jacobs (concussion), Katie Lind (maternity leave), Havana Solaun (knee), Tarciane (shoulder), Kiki Van Zanten (foot), Amanda West (knee), and Croix Soto (concussion).

Projected Lineups

Orlando Pride (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Anna Moorhouse.

Defenders: Kerry Abello, Kylie Strom, Emily Sams, Cori Dyke.

Defensive Midfielders: Morgan Gautrat, Angelina.

Midfielders: Julie Doyle, Marta, Adriana.

Forward: Barbra Banda.

Houston Dash (3-4-3)

Goalkeeper: Jane Campbell.

Defenders: Allysha Chapman, Paige Nielsen, Jylissa Harris.

Midfielders: Michelle Alozie, Sarah Puntigam, Sophie Schmidt, Avery Patterson.

Forwards: Yuki Nagasato, Diana Ordonez, Andressa.

Referees

REF: Iryna Petrunok.
AR1: Jeremy Smith.
AR2: Zach McWhorter.
4TH: JJ Bilinski.
VAR: Danielle Chesky.
AVAR: Christian Clerc.

How to Watch

Match Time: 7:30 p.m.

Venue: Inter&Co Stadium — Orlando.

TV: Ion.

Streaming: None.

Twitter: For live updates and rapid reaction, follow @ManeLandSean and the Orlando Pride’s official Twitter feed (@ORLPride).

Enjoy the match. Go Pride!

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Orlando Pride vs. Bay FC: Final Score 1-0 as Banda’s Late Winner Lifts Pride to Road Win

A late goal by Barbra Banda secured a 1-0 win for the Pride over Bay FC on the west coast.

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1 week ago

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September 21, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

The Orlando Pride (15-0-6, 51 points) continued their unbeaten run and extended their lead atop the NWSL standings with a 1-0 win over Bay FC (8-12-1, 25 points) tonight at PayPal Park in San Jose, CA. Barbra Banda’s 84th-minute goal was the difference as the Pride continue their undefeated season, picking up the club’s fifth consecutive shutout. Orlando swept the season series with the expansion side with a pair of identical 1-0 scorelines.

Pride Head Coach Seb Hines made three changes to the team that played to a scoreless draw with the Kansas City Current on Sept. 13. Kylie Strom was out of the starting lineup for the second time this season and the first time since March 22 — the second game of the season — and was replaced by Carson Pickett. It was Pickett’s first start since returning to the Pride on Aug. 16. Additionally, Julie Doyle and Morgan Gautrat replaced Summer Yates and Haley McCutcheon.

The back line in front of goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse changed for the first time since the Olympic break, consisting of Pickett, Kerry Abello, Emily Sams, and Cori Dyke. Gautrat and Angelina were in the defensive midfield behind Doyle, Marta, and Adriana, with Banda up top.

“We decided to give Kylie a well-deserved rest. Obviously, she came on towards the end of the game,” Hines said about the change. “But moving Abello into center back, you know, Abello’s been brilliant for us also. And it allowed us to play Carson at left back.”

Despite this game being the first-place team against the eighth-place team, it was very even for most of the 90 minutes. Far from the Pride’s best performance of the year, the hosts were the better side for much of the game. However, as they’ve done throughout this season, the Pride found a way to win, getting the winning goal with six minutes left in regular time.

The Pride created the first chance of the game in the third minute when Pickett found Banda making a diagonal run to the top of the box. The striker used a good first touch to flick the ball around Emily Menges for a shot on goal. However, it also created a tight angle, causing the shot to go straight to Bay FC goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland.

Bay FC created its first chance in the eighth minute when Racheal Kundananji beat Sams on the right and found Rachel Hill in the box. Abello did well to get a touch to the ball, but Hill regained control. The forward turned and shot, sending the attempt wide of the far post.

Hill was involved in another chance in the 10th minute when she sent Asisat Oshoala forward. Sams was on Oshoala’s hip and had the inside position. As a result, the Nigerian international’s shot was directly to Moorhouse, creating no trouble for the Pride shot stopper.

Bay FC had a third consecutive chance in the 12th minute when Caprice Dydasco lifted the ball into the box for Kundananji. Dyke got to it first, but her header went to Oshoala at the top of the box. The forward attempted to volley the ball on goal, sending it well over the top.

The Pride had a pair of chances in the 19th minute when Dyke sent Banda down the right. The striker used her body to turn Menges and get into the Bay FC box. The Zambian sent a strong shot on goal, but it was right to Rowland who pushed it away. Adriana was the first to the loose ball and backheeled it for Pickett. The left back shot’s attempt went off the head of Dydasco and the Pride couldn’t create anything from the ensuing corner kick.

Bay FC had its own pair of chances in the 21st minute when Kundananji sent a dangerous ball over Moorhouse to the back post. Hill was making a run with Pickett on her and the Pride left back was able to keep Hill from being able to get a shot off.

Marta initially took possession, but the hosts won it back. It ended up with Dorian Bailey on the right and the midfielder attempted a cross with her right foot. While it didn’t appear to be a shot, the ball curved towards goal, going over the outstretched arm of Moorhouse and off the crossbar.

The Pride were trying to send Banda behind the Bay FC back line several times, but she struggled to get in on goal. In the 37th minute, Marta played the striker into the box. She tried to create space from Abby Dahlkemper and got a shot off. However, the veteran defender did well to stay in front and Banda’s shot hit the outside of the net.

In the 41st minute, Kundananji found Oshoala at the top of the box. With too many defenders between the forward and goal, she played Alyssa Malonson between the back line instead of shooting. The left back turned and shot, forcing Moorhouse into a diving catch. However, Malonson came back from an offside position to receive the ball, so it wouldn’t have counted anyway.

It looked like the hosts might open the scoring in the 43rd minute when Kundananji turned Sams to get in on goal. As she wound up to shoot, Abello came over to challenge the attacker. It was enough to put Kundananji off and the shot was wide of the near post.

The Pride had more possession (55%-45%), crosses (8-5), and corner kicks (1-0) in the first half, but Bay FC created more shots (7-6). Both teams put two chances on target and completed 83% of their passes.

The Pride had the first decent second-half attack in the 52nd minute when Doyle dribbled to the end line while being defended by Malonson. The midfielder crossed the ball before it crossed the end line and Menges knocked it out before Rowland could grab it. Pickett sent the ensuing corner kick into the box, but it was too close to Rowland.

Bay FC took the first shot of the second half in the 56th minute. Abello intercepted a pass from Kiki Pickett to Oshoala at the top of the box. It went to Gautrat, who was unprepared to receive it. As a result, she couldn’t get anything on her clearance. It went straight to Bay FC’s Pickett, who shot from distance, sending it wide.

Dyke challenged Kundananji in the 60th minute, sliding in to win the ball. The Bay FC striker’s knee hit Dyke on her back, forcing the right back to receive attention. After being evaluated by the medical staff, it was determined that she couldn’t continue.

In addition to withdrawing Dyke, Hines made two additional changes in the 63rd minute. Angelina and Doyle also came out of the game, replaced by Strom, Yates, and Carrie Lawrence. Strom joined Sams as a center back, while Lawrence came in at right back and Abello moved over to left back. Pickett, the starting left back, moved forward into the midfield.

Kundananji found Maddie Moreau making a long run into the box in the 70th minute. Lawrence blocked Moreau’s cross attempt with a slide tackle and Sams got to the Bay FC defender before she could send a second ball across the box. Moreau felt she earned a corner kick from the play, but the referee gave a goal kick.

Less than a minute later, Bailey played the ball to her left for Kundananji. The attacker took a touch inside to create enough space for a shot, but it was right at Moorhouse.

After making defensive changes earlier in the half, Hines went more attacking with his fourth change in the 75th minute as Evelina Duljan came into the game for Gautrat.

The Pride nearly found the opening goal in the 78th minute when Pickett beat Dydasco to the far post and met a Marta cross. Pickett got her head to the ball but couldn’t get enough power on it. Still, Rowland had to dive to her left to push it away.

Moreau received a pass on the left in the 79th minute and played it to Bailey making a run to the six-yard box. Nobody in purple was on the midfielder and she tried to slip it past Moorhouse. However, the Pride number one did well to keep the ball out of the net and near her, gathering it and ending the attack.

Hines made his final change in the 80th minute, replacing Marta with Ally Watt.

In the 81st minute, Watt’s cross to Adriana beyond the far post was headed to Banda in front of the goal. It was a little behind the striker and she tried an acrobatic shot but couldn’t get much on it, enabling Rowland to collect.

Bay FC nearly took the lead two minutes later when Kundananji nutmegged Sams twice before sending a cross into the box. It was a good cross that found Hill, who tried to redirect the ball inside the post. Fortunately, it traveled just wide.

The miss by Hill loomed large as the Pride took the lead in the 84th minute. Pickett sent a beautiful ball into the box, where Banda was waiting between three defenders. Menges and Dahlkemper were in good positions, but it was a perfect cross that met the head of Banda, who redirected it in to give the Pride a 1-0 lead.

“A quality show towards the end of the game with a great ball for Barbra,” Hines said. “And a great finish to win us the game.”

Banda had been flying since joining the team early in the season and had four goals in three games in the Olympics. However, this was her first goal since rejoining the Pride following the Olympic break.

“Well, for her, of course, it means a lot because it’s been like, four games, five today. And for the team too, because we need her feeling good to do her best for the team,” Martra said about Banda scoring. “And I think it was really important that she scored tonight.”

“It’s massive, a massive confidence boost,” Hines added. “I’ve said all along, she’s getting in some really good positions. It’s that final touch and, you know, grateful for us, she managed to put the ball in the back of the net. She needed that.”

Banda’s goal was her 13th of the season, tying the club record for most goals in a single season. Marta previously set the record during the 2017 season, the only other time the Pride made the playoffs.

Hill tried to make something happen again in the 87th minute when she received the ball outside the box. The attacker turned and took a shot from long distance, but it didn’t cause any problems for Moorhouse.

Two minutes later, Kundananji made a run into the center of the field before sending the ball wide for Moreau on the left. The defender volleyed it towards goal, but it wasn’t a hard shot and Moorhouse made the easy catch.

With a goal lead, the Pride put 10 players behind the ball as the game entered stoppage time. However, they nearly scored a second in the third minute of added time from a counterattack. Watt slid in to win the ball from Moreau and Duljan took possession. Duljan immediately sent it long for Banda behind the Bay FC back line. She had time and space to place the ball behind Rowland but sent it directly to the goalkeeper instead.

In the final minute of stoppage time, Duljan was called for a foul on Tess Boade, giving the hosts one final chance in the final third. Rowland came up as everyone from Bay FC was in the Pride box. The free kick by Bailey was punched away by Moorhouse and cleared by Adriana as the final whistle blew.

However, it wasn’t quite over yet, as the video assistant referee took a long look at the final play to determine if there was a penalty. While there was some contact between Watt and Dahlkemper, it was determined that it was mutual and the game was over.

It was a very even game as the Pride had more possession (55%-45%), but both teams accumulated 13 shots and each put six on target. The Pride also had more crosses (22-13) and corner kicks (4-1), and slightly better passing accuracy (81%-80%). Most importantly, they scored the lone goal and came away with a 1-0 win away from home.

“I don’t think we played to our best,” Hines said. “I don’t think we were threatening as much as I would have liked us to be. But, you know, to come away from a difficult environment, Bay FC have done really well the last couple of games. Have shown what they are capable of doing. But yeah, 1-0 win away from home I’ll always take. You know, three points, it’s so critical at this stage in the season that we continue to pick up valuable points. But yeah, obviously there’s still a lot of things that we can continue to work on. I said to the players before the game, it’s important that we still learn, even though we’re unbeaten and still winning games, that we still have so many learning moments within that to continue to progress towards the postseason.”

The win extends the Pride’s unbeaten run to 21 games in the regular season, 22 games in the league going back to last year, and 25 games in all competitions. More importantly, the Current beat the Washington Spirit 3-0 earlier in the night, so the Pride extended their lead atop the NWSL standings to seven points.

Additionally, the win guarantees the Pride a top four position at the end of the season. They’ll host a playoff game for the first time in club history.

“We are really happy to know that,” Marta said about securing a home playoff game. “It was, like, our first goal in this year. To come back to the playoffs and play at home. It’s the best with our support and in the atmosphere that we have every single game at home. So, yeah, I’m happy with that. And then we’re going to go for more. Of course, our second goal is to win the shield, and then keep working hard to win the next games.”

The Pride also continued their record breaking with Moorhouse’s 12th shoutout of the season. That breaks the NWSL record for most shutouts by a single goalkeeper in a season.

“It’s a great feeling to have it just be me. It’s not a tied record. It’s Orlando Pride, it’s me, all up front. So, yeah, that’s a great feeling,” Moorhouse said. “It’s something, like I said before, I wanted it. It was one of my goals before the season to kind of see if I could get that record. It probably only became, not a determined effort, but it became more of a reality as the season went on. I’m like, yeah, I can actually do this. And now we have, I think it’s five games left to go. So, I just want to extend that record as much as I can and hopefully it stays for many years.”

She’ll have that opportunity when the Pride return home for a two-game homestand, beginning on Sept. 28 against the Houston Dash.

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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.

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1 week ago

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September 20, 2024

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

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.

Official Lineups

Orlando Pride (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Anna Moorhouse.

Defenders: Kerry Abello, Cori Dyke, Emily Sams, Carson Pickett.

Defensive Midfielders: Morgan Gautrat, Angelina.

Midfielders: Julie Doyle, Marta, Adriana.

Forward: Barbra Banda.

Bench: McKinley Crone, Haley McCutcheon, Ally Watt, Carrie Lawrence, Brianna Martinez, Summer Yates, Kylie Strom, Evelina Duljan, Celia.

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.

Bench: Jen Beattie, Maya Doms, Deyna Castellanos, Jamie Shepherd, Caroline Conti, Jordan Brewster, Maddie Moreau, Jordan Silkowitz, Penelope Hocking.

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!

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