Pre Match Notes

Despite drawing in their last match against the San Diego Wave, the Orlando Pride are still on a roll. The Pride remain undefeated going into their second meeting with the North Carolina Courage. In their first meeting with the Courage, the Pride would come away with a 4-1 win. No doubt, the Pride will be looking to extend their undefeated streak with a win this time around.

The Pride also came out with important news last month, announcing the signing of Zambian midfielder, Grace Chanda. Chanda is coming over from the Liga F club, Madrid CFF. The Pride signed Chanda to a two-year contract, through 2025, with an option to extend in 2026. Fans will have to wait to see Chanda, as she will be joining the Pride after the 2024 Paris Olympics this summer. Chanda’s eventual arrival to the Pride will strengthen the midfield and attack even more, and we could see some great connection in the attack between Chanda and her Zambian teammate, Barbra Banda, in addition to Watt, Doyle, Yates, Adriana, and Marta.

When it comes to this match against the Courage, the Pride will have no issue getting forward, and we’ll see that same strong connection in the attack, that we’ve been seeing from the Pride in their past games. The midfield may face some challenge from the Courage, but as long as the Pride can maintain control, and good, quick movement in the midfield, they should be all right. In regard to the backline and defense, the Pride needs to watch out for passes and through balls behind the backline, in addition to closing down any gaps or spaces in their defensive third. Overall, it’s still going to be an interesting and exciting match, since the Courage has always been a challenging team for the Pride.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Anna Moorhouse in the goal. For defenders Brianna Martinez, Emily Sams, Kylie Strom, and Kerry Abello. In the midfield and attack: Haley McCutcheon, Summer Yates, Marta, Adriana, Julie Doyle, and Barbra Banda.

Overall, it’s a good line up. The Pride could be playing in a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2. I’m looking forward to that movement and connection in the midfield and attack with Yates, Marta, Adriana, Doyle and Banda. That is a very strong and dangerous attacking line. Control is going to be important in this match, however, the Pride should be able to maintain control and possession just fine. I am still concerned when it comes to the Pride’s backline and defense; however, if the Pride are in a 4-4-2, there will be good support when it comes to recoveries and transitions.

The Pride also announced that Angelina is available off the bench, after being out for some time, due to a knee injury. If she does come on in the second half, she will also be able to provide more control in the midfield, in addition to creating chances for the attack.

First Half Notes

Orlando Pride 0-0.

The Pride had the better chances in this first half. The attack was getting forward and connecting here-and-there; however, there appeared to be some miscommunication in the attack, resulting in the Pride team not being able to put away their chances. Hopefully, in the second half, the Pride will be able to get that sorted out. Banda, Adriana, Yates, Marta, and Doyle have been doing well when it comes to breaking through the Courage defense, and getting behind the backline. Going into the second half, there needs to be better connection and communication in the attacking third, as well as more chances being created.

In regard to the Pride’s defense and backline, usually, the Pride do well playing from the back, but as seen in this first half, there needs to be more urgency transitioning out of their defensive third, especially when the Courage are applying pressure to the backline. At times, the Pride appeared to be too lax when it comes to transitioning out the back. Besides that, the backline is doing well holding off the Courage attack.

Second Half and Closing Notes

Orlando Pride Draws 0-0.

As mentioned in the first half, the Pride midfield and attack were still getting forward and creating chances. The build-up plays from the Pride were also good, but unfortunately this was a case of the Pride not being able to finish their chances. As mentioned earlier, the Pride attack consisting of Banda, Marta, Adriana, Doyle, and Yates were able to breakthrough the Courage defense, and get behind the backline. This did not change in the second half. This attacking line did well overall; however, the Pride just couldn’t connect and finish in the box.

When it comes to the backline and defense, they did all right in this half. They were able to withstand the Courage attack and recover possession just fine. However, the transitions out of the Pride’s defensive third still needs to be quicker, especially when the backline is under pressure. Much like the first half there needs to be more urgency when it comes to playing out from the back.

Overall, it wasn’t a bad performance from the Pride. The second half was identical to the first; nevertheless, the Pride still remains undefeated.