Line Up

4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. We have Anna Moorhouse in the goal. For defenders, Haley McCutcheon, Rafaelle, Emily Madril, and Kylie Strom. In the midfield and attack we have Viviana Villacorta, Marta, Carrie Abello, Adriana, Julie Doyle, and Messiah Bright.

Rafaelle is starting tonight. I’m very interested to see how she does in the backline, especially alongside Madril. Rafaelle did really well with Arsenal last season, and will bring a lot of experience to the Pride backline. Emily Madril is a rookie, a young player, and having her play alongside Rafaelle will be good for her, in regards to her own development, and gaining experience from a veteran defender of Rafaelle’s calibur. At the same time, Rafaelle will also provide more stability in the Pride backline.

The Pride midfield and attack looks good. I would like to see the attack put pressure on the Red Stars backline, and at the same time I want to see good connection in the attack and in the box. The last time the Pride played the Red Stars, they didn’t do too bad. The Pride were on the attack for the majority of the match. They created a lot of chances, but they couldn’t finish any of them. If the Pride can connect in the attack and finish, they should do well in this match.

I do see Mariana Larroquette on the bench. Most likely, she could come on in the second half. I’m very interested to see what she brings to the Pride attack. I would like to see an attacking partnership form between her and Doyle, especially since Doyle likes to attack the box and create services for the attacking players. Anyway, I’m looking forward to this match. I’m going into this open-minded, and hoping for a Pride win.

First Half Notes

Orlando Pride 2-0. Rafaelle (15′), Bright (24′)

The Pride is doing really well so far in this match. Great control and possession in the midfield. They’ve been able to recover the ball when Chicago is in transition. I really liked how well the Pride has been responding to Chicago’s counterattacks and transitions. Great movement in the midfield and attack. Really great movement from Adriana, especially. She is so calm under pressure, and is just putting pressure on that Chicago left wing. Great connection between the midfield and attack. I also love the combination plays and touches between Abello, Doyle, Bright, Adriana, and Marta. It’s great to see that connection and chemistry in the midfield and attack.

The Pride attack is putting a lot of pressure on the Red Stars backline, and are opening them up really well. There are gaps forming in the Red Star’s backline, and because of that, Bright has been especially dangerous and threatening in the box. I like Bright’s confidence, and I like the way she attacks the goal. I’m glad the Pride are getting her on the ball more.

For the second half, I want to see the Pride keep up their attack, and maintain control of the midfield. Most likely, Chicago is going to up their pace and intensity going into the second half, so the Pride is needing to be on the look out for that. I would like to see Larroquette come on in the second half, but I think that would mean subbing off Bright or Adriana. A part of me doesn’t want that, because I like Adriana, Doyle and Bright up top in this match. They’re doing extremely well, and I wouldn’t want to disturb that rhythm and chemistry in the attack.

Second Half/Closing Notes

Orlando Pride wins 5-0. Rafaelle (15′), Bright (24′, 49′), Larroquette (64′), Cluff (68′).

Honestly, this was such a great win by the Pride. Great control and movement in the midfield and attack. Great connection in the attack and in the box. We’re starting to see the Pride connecting in the attack and finishing their chances, which was something they struggled with in the past. Bright was great in this match. Larroquette, coming in for Bright, was great too. Larroquette, on her debut, proved she can be dangerous in the Pride attack. She was getting in the box, calling for the ball, and since coming on, she was very threatening to the Red Stars backline.

Summer Yates also seems to be an interesting player. I liked her movement and touches on the ball, along with her connection in the attack. Adriana and Marta were also great in this match. They both had great touches and movement through the midfield. The same could also be said for the team as a whole. The Pride team’s touches and passes, and their ability to work the ball up the midfield, has been great in this match. That was probably one of my favorite things about this match, next to the team’s chemistry. The overall connection between the midfield and attack, and the players being able to read one another well, was beautiful to see.

Then there’s Messiah Bright, who’s really coming into form on this team. She’s  having fun, and is proving how dangerous she can be with the ball at her feet. Honestly, the whole Orlando Pride team looked great in this match, and it’s not just Bright proving how dangerous she is on the ball; it’s the whole team. This was a well-deserved win for a determined Orlando Pride team.