Pre-Match Notes: This is the final matchday of the NWSL regular season, but this is also decision day for a lot of teams regarding moving on to the NWSL Championship Playoffs. The Orlando Pride definitely have a chance to secure a spot, but it also depends on other factors as well since so many teams are close in points to clinching a playoff spot. Regardless of whether the Pride makes it to the NWSL Championship Playoffs, a win tonight against the Houston Dash will be a great way for Seb Hines and his team to end the season.

When it comes to the Pride in this match against the Dash, the Pride can definitely come away with a win. The Pride has an established game plan, they have figured out their identity and how they want to play. It makes the Pride fun to watch, especially since the Pride’s strategy is different from the teams I usually cover. When it comes to teams like OL Reign and VfL Wolfsburg, there’s often a big focus on keeping possession and control, as well as maintaining their attack. When it comes to the Pride, this team is okay with not having much possession. At the same time, there’s more focus on counterattacking and transition, along with control and movement in the midfield.

When it comes to this match against the Houston Dash, it’s going to be a challenge for the Pride because the Dash have strong attacking and midfield players. But if the Pride can put pressure on the Dash in the midfield and force turnovers, they should be able to transition in the midfield and drive their attack forward. Marta and Adriana will be driving forces in the Pride’s attack when it comes to movement and creating those chances in the attack.

Line Up Notes:

Starting Eleven: We have Anna Moorhouse in the goal. For defenders, Haley McCutcheon, Rafaelle, Emily Madril, and Kylie Strom. In the midfield and attack: Erika Tymrak, Jordyn Listro, Carrie Abello, Adriana, Messiah Bright, and Marta.

Good lineup. No issues with this starting eleven at all. However, I still think I would’ve gone with Mikayla Cluff for that added support and stability in the midfield. At the same time, I also understand the importance of Tymrak. Tymrak provides great support in the attack, which is what the Pride is going to be going for in this match. There’s great movement in the midfield with Marta and Adriana. Adriana, as we’ve seen in past games, is lethal in transition. She, along with Marta, is going to be essential when it comes to working the ball through the midfield and building up play for the attack.

I would like to see a good connection in the attack, but I also want to see the Pride finishing their chances and scoring goals. At the same time, I want to see strong defending from the backline, along with good support in the defense. While this team can definitely score goals, the Pride tends to lose a decent lead. They need to work on control, maintaining their lead, and closing out games.

First Half Notes:

Orlando Pride 0-0

The Pride is doing really well. Great transitions, great recoveries, good movement in the midfield, and good connection between the midfield and attack. However, the Pride’s biggest problem in this half is that they can’t put away their chances. They’re getting set pieces and corner kicks, creating plenty of chances, but they haven’t been able to finish them in this first half. It’s like watching OL Reign last season – great control, movement, and connection, but very poor finishing.

If the Pride want to win this match, they have to score goals. At the same time, they need to get their crosses, services, and shots off quicker. That was one of my biggest gripes in the first half. If they want to beat the Dash defenders and backline, they have to be quicker with their crosses, services, and shots. Besides that, the Pride look really good so far. Hopefully, they can get on the scoreboard in the second half.

Second Half/Closing Notes:

Orlando Pride Wins 1-0.

The Orlando Pride may not be able to move on to the NWSL Championship Playoffs, but a win to end their season is still very good. It’s heartbreaking to Marta, the Pride team, Seb Hines, and the Pride fans that this team won’t be moving on to the championship playoffs. They have been so much fun to watch. There’s no denying how much progress the Pride has made this season. There’s no denying how hard this team has worked, how hard this team has fought.

In this match against the Dash, the Pride left it all on the field. Marta gave it her all, and she was just brilliant on the pitch. She scored the Pride’s only goal of this match from a penalty, and the Pride was able to come away with a win at home. The whole team did really well in this game. They played with a lot of heart and passion. Everyone gave it their all, and I’m very proud of this Orlando Pride team. They still came away with a win and ended the season 7th in the league with 31 points, tied with Angel City FC and Gotham FC.

It’s been a pleasure following the Pride this season. Watching their matches may have aged me ten years, but overall, the Pride have done really well, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this team goes next season.