Pre Match Notes

The Orlando Pride are coming in hot after a commanding 4-1 win against the North Carolina Courage earlier this week. Now, the Pride are set to face Racing Louisville, who are coming off of a draw to Gotham FC. The Pride have already met Racing Louisville two months prior, where the match would end in a 2-2 draw, and a red card issued to the Pride’s, Kylie Strom. The Pride will be hoping for a different result this time around, one that doesn’t involve red cards, but will hopefully see the team extend their 4-game win streak.

Barbra Banda has proven to be a great signing for this Orlando Pride team with her contributions to the attack. She has the ability to out pace defenders, get around players, and create many goal-scoring opportunities. In the match against the North Carolina Courage, Banda would link up well with Ally Watt, both of them combing to create chances and score goals. Going into this match against Racing Louisville, it is likely we’ll see that chemistry between Watt and Banda, as well as the connection between the other attacking players. It’s clear that this is something the team has been working on. Now, it’s all starting to come together, like pieces to a puzzle.

Additionally, the Pride’s control and possession in the midfield has been solid. Even when the Pride loses possession and is under fire, the team still maintains their composure, and works to recover it, and get their attack forward again.

When it comes to this match against Racing Louisville, the Pride can come away with a win, however, the team is needing to lock down their defense, and defend their wings. Recoveries and clearances could be quicker, but overall, the Pride backline has been strong in their recent games.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Anna Moorhouse in the goal. For defenders Emily Sams, Rafaelle, Kylie Strom, Kerry Abello, and Haley McCutcheon. For midfielders and forwards: Ally Lemos, Summer Yates, Ally Watt, Julie Doyle, and Barbra Banda.

There are five defenders listed, but it is likely either Abello or McCutcheon will be playing in the midfield. The Pride will most likely be playing in a 4-4-2.

There was some concern for Angelina in the last match after she went down late in the second half. Angelina is currently out due to a knee injury. Marta is also still out due to a lower leg injury. On the upside, Adriana and Morgan Gautrat return to the Pride line up, and are available off the bench. It’s great to see Lemos starting, and it’ll be interesting to see how she does in the midfield, and how well she connects with her teammates in the attack.

First Half Notes

Orlando Pride 1-0.

Goal Scorers for the Pride: Banda (1).

Sams would get around her defender and send in a cross. Banda’s header would find the back of the net.

Overall, this was a good first half for the Pride. There is good movement in the midfield, as well as good connection between the midfield and attack. The backline has been doing well in terms of recoveries, and responding to Racing Louisville’s attack. Going into the second half, the Pride will need to be quicker getting the ball out of their defensive third, as Louisville is likely to increase their pressure on the Pride backline.

When it comes to the Pride’s midfield and attack, the team is creating plenty of chances, but their services, crosses and touches need to be quicker. There will be more goal-scoring opportunities and chances created in the second half, however, the Pride must connect better in the attack, and put away their chances.

Second Half and Closing Notes

Orlando Pride Wins 1-0.

Goal Scorers for the Pride: Banda (1).

The second half was quieter for the Pride attack. The team was able to get forward and create some chances, however, the Pride wasn’t able to convert them into goals. Additionally, there wasn’t much connection in the attack, as the Pride had a hard time breaking through Racing Louisville’s defense.

Even though the attack seemed quieter in this second half, the Pride did well to manage the game and maintain control. Even when Louisville was increasing their pressure, and creating more chances, the Pride had it covered all the way. The backline and defense were solid, and the team was able to shut down Louisville’s attack without much issue, nor concern. Moorhouse also had some important saves as well. Overall, this was another strong performance from this Orlando Pride team.