Pre Match Notes

After coming away with a win in their match against the Utah Royals, Orlando Pride fans would receive exciting news on Wednesday, June 26, when the Pride announced on X/Twitter, that defender, Emily Sams would receive her first call up to the USWNT as a training player for the pre-Olympic training camp. This would be Sams’ first call up to the senior national team. The USWNT Roster for the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics has been released, and can be viewed here.

The Orlando Pride put on one of their best performances last week, in their match against the Utah Royals. A dominating 6-0 win, with two goals from Marta, two from Barbra Banda, and one goal each for Summer Yates and Ally Watt. On top of her goals, Banda would connect and grab two assists. It was a commanding performance from the Pride, where the team were able to take advantage of the Royal’s many defending errors in the backline. The Pride were able to make runs, create space, and break through the Royal’s backline without much resistance. There was great pace and strong connection in the attack, as well as strong finishing.

While the Pride were able to dominate in terms of possession and control against the Royals, they may face some challenge from Angel City, in regard to their midfield and backline. The Pride will still be able to get their attack forward, and create many chances. As long as they can connect and finish, the Pride should do well in this match.

Line Up Notes

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

Another strong line up for the Pride, especially with this dangerous attacking line of Yates, Marta, Adriana, Doyle, and Banda. In the Pride’s match against the Royals we got to see great link-ups in the attack between Marta and Banda. It’s great to see this attack coming together even more. The movement in the midfield, as well as the chemistry in the attack has been fun to watch. Hopefully, we can see that same connection and chemistry when it comes to this match. The Pride may face pressure in the midfield, but as long as there’s good support, movement and recoveries in the midfield and backline, the Pride should be able to manage just fine.

First Half Notes

Orlando Pride 2-0.

Goal Scorers for the Pride: Adriana (2).

Marta would make a run and find Adriana to her right. Adriana would score her first goal just outside the box. Banda would see her attempt saved, but Adriana would score on the follow up/rebound, making it 0-2 in favor of the Pride.

The Pride attack is demonstrating how dangerous it can be, especially in regard to the Pride’s counterattack. Adriana and Banda’s pace in this half has been really good. Both players are making runs, getting behind the backline, and beating the Angel City defenders. Additionally, there’s also good connection and support in the attack from Yates, Marta, Doyle, and Abello.

When it comes to the Pride’s midfield and backline, as predicted, they were facing some challenge in these areas. For the most part, the Pride have been doing well moving the ball up the field, in addition to recovering possession, and regaining control. Going into the second half, the Pride is needing to maintain their lead. The team should try to control the midfield a little more. The backline (as well as the midfield) also needs to be quicker recovering possession. If the backline and midfield can transition more quickly out of their defensive third, then the Pride can get their attack or counterattack off more effectively. The attack will be able to make more runs, and create more chances. Overall, this is still a solid first half for the Pride.

Second Half and Closing Notes

Orlando Pride Wins 0-3

Goal Scorers for the Pride: Adriana (2), Banda (1).

Banda would steal a misplaced pass by Angel City, and make a run into the box. She would brush off Angel City’s goalkeeper, and score, making it 0-3 in favor of the Pride.

Overall, this was a great performance from the Pride. The scoreline may not have been 6-0, like in the match against the Utah Royals; however, 0-3 still shows the Pride’s ruthless attacking prowess. The Pride may have struggled with controlling the midfield, but it was to be expected. Angel City was able to get their attack forward, and challenge the Pride when it came to possession, and control of the midfield. Still, the Pride midfield and backline remained undeterred, and were able to recover possession, and shut down Angel City’s attack.

Yes, the Pride could’ve had more control of the midfield, and may’ve needed to be quicker when it came to their transitions out of their defensive third, but for the most part, the backline, midfield, and attack were still solid, and had everything under control.