Pre-Match Notes: After drawing in their first two regular season matches, the Orlando Pride are still hunting for their first win of the 2024 NWSL Season. The Pride will now be facing the Chicago Red Stars, who are coming off of a 2-1 win against the Seattle Reign.

When it came to the Pride’s last match against Angel City, the Pride had good movement in the midfield, and were able to get their attack forward. They created some good chances on goal, however there needs to be more support in the attack and in the box. The Pride’s attempts on goal, while good, were still easy saves for Angel City’s goalkeeper. The challenges for the Pride are going to involve figuring out what they want to do in the attack when they reach the opposing team’s penalty area, connecting where it counts in order to get their attack off quicker, and getting more numbers in the box.

When it comes to the Chicago Red Stars, the Red Stars backline, in their last two matches against the Seattle Reign and the Utah Royals, has proven difficult to break through, especially with goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher at the top of her game. In addition to maintaining control of the midfield, the Pride needs to figure out how to break through the Red Stars’ backline.

If the Pride wants to be successful in this match, they need to focus on being quicker with their movement in the midfield and attack, in addition to developing their connection in the box. The Pride’s finishing ability is also something the team needs to strengthen as well.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Anna Moorhouse in the goal. For defenders Brianna Martinez, Emily Sams, Kerry Abello, and Kylie Strom. For midfielders Morgan Gautrat, Angelina, Marta, and Luana. For forwards Adriana and Ally Watt.

It’s a good lineup. I’m looking forward to seeing that connection and movement in the midfield and attack with Angelina, Marta, Luana and Adriana. Control is also going to be important for the Pride, as well as being able to respond to the Red Stars’ counterattacks and transitions. The Pride backline also needs to be better aware of passes and through balls behind the backline. Additionally, the backline and defense need to close down any gaps or open spaces in the box. This is likely to be a challenging match for the Pride, but as seen in their last two matches, the Pride isn’t going down without a fight.

First Half Notes

Orlando Pride 1-0.

Goal Scorer for the Orlando Pride: Angelina (1).

Angelina would score directly from a corner kick.

This was a great first half for the Pride. The Pride showed great control and movement in the midfield and attack, and were able to create some good chances. The main issue for the Pride seems to occur when they reach the Red Stars penalty area. There needs to be more support in the attack getting forward, better connection in the box, and better finishing. The Pride could remedy this by increasing their pace, making sure everyone is on the same page, and getting their crosses and services off much quicker. Long passes and getting behind the Red Stars backline could also work in the Pride’s favor.

When it comes to the Pride backline, they have had some tense moments in this first half, but so far there have been good recoveries in midfield and backline, as well as good support in the defense. The defenders still need to have better awareness, and they must watch out for balls and passes behind the backline.

Going into the second half, the Pride has to maintain control, and the team should try to grab more goals in order to extend their lead.

Second Half and Closing Notes

Orlando Pride Draws 1-1 to the Chicago Red Stars.

Goal Scorer for the Orlando Pride: Angelina (1).

This half would see an additional ten minutes of added time, after the referee checked for a potential Denial of a Goal-Scoring Opportunity (DOGSO) on Summer Yates, by Red Stars defender, Kuikka. After a seven-minute review, the referee decided there wasn’t enough contact for it to be considered a Denial of a Goal-Scoring Opportunity.

A draw is still good this early in the season, however, the Pride team eventually needs to win some games and figure out how to achieve those wins; how to grab more goals in their upcoming matches. Still, this was a good performance from the Pride. Despite the Red Stars getting on the ball more, the Pride remained unshakable and had no issues recovering possession. Much like the first half, there was great movement and control in the midfield. The Pride was able to get their attack forward and create a few chances, but unfortunately, the team couldn’t convert them in the end.

The Pride has definitely improved from last season. The team is very confident and determined. They’re showing a lot of potential especially with their movement and control in the midfield. I originally thought the Pride was going to struggle with keeping possession against the Red Stars, however, the Pride, in the end, would have the most possession at 59 percent.

The team looks great but the Pride’s biggest issue right now is figuring out and organizing their attack. They need to be faster getting forward, and quicker with their crosses and services. If there’s more support in the attack and the team can get numbers in the box, perhaps Adriana, Doyle, Watt, Angelina, Marta, etc, can be quicker with their services, crosses, and touches.