Pre Match Notes

After coming off of a 0-1 win against the Houston Dash, the Orlando Pride are now set to face Gotham FC. The Pride are riding an 18-game undefeated streak, the longest in NWSL history; however, the team may face some challenge when it comes to Gotham FC. As long as the Pride can move quickly, and connect in the attack, they should be able to breakthrough Gotham’s backline. Scoring on Gotham may be difficult, especially with German Goalkeeper, Ann-Katrin Berger in goal. This is why the Pride will need to maintain their attack and pressure. Marta, Adriana, Barbra Banda, Julie Doyle, and Angelina would start in the match against the Dash, however, starting Summer Yates over Doyle could help the Pride’s attack even more.

In regard to the Pride’s backline and defense, they had a few shaky moments in the match against the Dash, where they would leave loose balls in the box, as well as some gaps in the defense, nevertheless, the Pride still did well when it came to holding off the Dash attack. Against Gotham, the Pride needs to be quick when it comes to recoveries in and around their box, and be quicker transitioning out of their defensive third. The Pride also needs to make sure they’re not leaving gaps in their backline and defense.

Overall, the Pride as a whole should do well in this match; however, much like the match against the Dash, a win against Gotham is not going to come easily. It’s going to be one the Pride has to fight for.

Line Up

Starting Eleven: We have Anna Moorhouse in the goal. For defenders Kerry Abello, Emily Sams, Kylie Strom, and Cori Dyke. For midfielders Haley McCutcheon, Angelina, and Marta. For forwards Adriana, Barbra Banda, and Summer Yates

Substitutes: McKinley Crone, Morgan Gautrat, Ally Watt, Carrie Lawrence, Mariana Larroquette, Julie Doyle, Carson Pickett, Evelina Duljan, and Celia.

Overall, it’s a good line up. I think I would’ve preferred Pickett or Lawrence in the backline, but regardless of who’s there, they need to close down any gaps or open spaces in the defense, in addition to making quick recoveries, transitions, and clearances.

As for the Pride’s midfield and attack, there could be some back-and-forth between the Pride and Gotham when it comes to possession and control. As long as the Pride can get forward and find Banda, Adriana, and Yates for long passes and runs, the Pride should do well in that area. I think the Pride should try to go for long balls, passes, and through balls behind the Gotham backline. They should try to use their pace and force Ann-Katrin Berger into 1v1 situations as much as possible.

First Half Notes

Orlando Pride 2-0.

Goal Scorers for the Pride: Adriana (2).

A three-player collision in the Gotham box would result in Adriana scoring amidst the confusion. Yates’s long ball would find Adriana. Adriana would dance past a Gotham defender and score her second goal.

This first half is going really well for the Pride. There was some early pressure from Gotham, but the Pride wouldn’t let that affect them. They were able to get out of it, and Adriana would get her first goal in the sixth minute. There was some back-and-forth in the midfield, nevertheless, Pride were doing well controlling, and moving the ball through the midfield. Angelina, Marta, and Yates were doing well when it came to connecting with Banda and Adriana, both of whom were making really good runs.

So far Adriana and Banda were able to break past Gotham’s backline. Emily Sonnett for Gotham was marking Banda in this first half, and Banda was able to get past her a few times. The Pride should continue doing long balls and passes up to Banda and Adriana, since that was working out well for the Pride in this first half. For the second half, perhaps bringing on Watt, at some point, could also add to that pace in the attack.

Going into the second half, the Pride needs to watch out for Gotham’s attack especially early on in the second half. Clearances and recoveries, while they have been good, still need to be quicker. The Pride backline has been doing well keeping Gotham at bay. Strom and Sams were able to keep up with the Gotham attack, and make important clearances and recoveries. Gotham are likely to turn up the heat in this second half, so it’s going to be essential for the Pride to transition quickly out the back and get forward again.

Second Half and Closing Notes

Orlando Pride Wins 2-0.

Goal Scorers for the Pride: Adriana (2).

Overall, this was a great performance from the Orlando Pride team. The Pride midfield and attack were still able to get forward a few times; however, the team were more or less picking their chances carefully. There wasn’t much urgency in the attack when compared to the first half, but it was still there when the Pride were transitioning. There focus this time around was on defending this 2-0 lead, which is what many teams would do when they are ahead.

Defensively, the Pride did exceptionally well. The team was locked in, and the defending effort from the Pride, in this half, was great to see. Even as second half went on, it was very clear that the Pride had everything under control despite Gotham’s constant pressure, and onslaught of attacks. The Pride would end this game in complete control. It’s another job well done as the Pride extends their undefeated streak to 19.