Pre Match Notes

After coming off of a 2-0 win against Gotham FC, the Orlando Pride are now set to face the Chicago Red Stars. On top of riding a 19-game undefeated streak, the Pride have also clinched a spot in the NWSL Playoffs, thanks to the Seattle Reign’s 2-3 win against Angel City on Friday.

Against Gotham FC

The Orlando Pride in their match against Gotham came out with a strong attack in the first half. They were able to grab 2 goals, both courtesy of Adriana. In the second half, the Pride would “park the bus,” and defend their lead. While the Pride were comfortable and successful at holding off Gotham’s attack, the Pride were still able to transition and get their attack forward.

Chemistry and Cohesion in the Attack

The Pride’s attacking line consisting of Barbra Banda, Marta, Adriana, Angelina, and Summer Yates have been going strong all season. The chemistry and cohesion among these players, among this team is great to see. The Pride have been building and developing since last season and it’s great to see this team coming together more and more. There’s great movement and control in the midfield with Marta, Angelina and Yates, in addition to even quicker movement and connection with Adriana and Banda up top. This attacking line has been able to breakthrough opposing teams’ defenses, and it is likely we will see the Pride get forward and create multiple chances and goal scoring opportunities against the Red Stars. All the attack needs to do is finish their chances.

Defending Prowess

The Pride’s backline and defense are likely to face some challenge from Red Stars attack. The team needs to close down any gaps or spaces in their box, and along the wings. Recoveries and transitions out the back need to be quick in order for the Pride to launch their counterattacks. Parallel to the Pride’s attack, the backline and defense have been performing consistently well. If the matches against Gotham and the Houston Dash are any evidence of the Pride’s defending prowess, the Pride team should be able to hold off the Red Stars attack.

Line Up

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

Substitutions: McKinley Crone, Morgan Gautrat, Ally Watt, Carrie Lawrence, Brianna Martinez, Julie Doyle, Carson Pickett, Evelina Duljan, Celia.

First Half Notes

Chicago Red Stars 0-1 Orlando Pride. 

Goal Scorers for the Pride: Marta (1). 

After a failed set piece, Marta would collect the ball and score from distance outside the Red Stars’ box. 

Control, would be the best word to describe this first half. The Pride were in complete control, and dominant when it came to possession. There was good pressure from the Pride right from the start. There was great transition and connection in the attack, in addition to great support from the rest of the team. Banda, Marta, Adriana and Yates were wreaking havoc in and around the Red Stars’ box. The Pride created many good chances and goal scoring opportunities, but due to the Red Stars’ compact defense, the Pride were unable to put away their chances.  

The Red Stars’ backline—while challenging to breakthrough—were not completely impenetrable. The Pride were still finding ways to get past the Red Stars’ defense, usually with Banda and Adriana, or a combined attacking effort from the rest of the team. Going into the second half, the Pride may continue to benefit from long passes up to Marta, Adriana, Banda, Angelina and Yates, since these players were the most successful at breaking through Red Star’s backline, especially down the wings.

While they have not seen much action in this first half, the Pride’s backline and defense were still locked in and on top of things. They have made some important recoveries, but one thing that was noticeable, is the backline pressing further up the field. It’s not unusual for teams to do this; however, it made the Pride’s control in this match more obvious. Since the backline was pressing higher, they, and the midfield, were winning the ball further up the pitch, effectively cutting off the Red Stars’ attack before they could get going. When it comes to the second half, the Pride backline may face some added pressure from the Red Stars; nevertheless, as long as the team can continue winning the ball higher up the field, they will be able to shut down the Red Stars’ attack, and maintain control.

Going into the second half, the Pride should try to maintain this same level of control. However, they still need to watch out for the Red Stars’ attack, as well as through balls and passes behind the Pride backline. 

Second Half and Closing Notes

Orlando Pride Wins 0-1.

Goal Scorers for the Pride: Marta (1).

Match commentator, Jill Loyden, ended this game saying, “Either Orlando is your favorite team, or Orlando is beating your favorite team.” This will end up being the case, as the Orlando Pride now goes on to extend their undefeated streak to 20.

This second half was nearly identical to the first half. The Pride were still in control throughout the second half. The Red Stars were able to get their attack forward; however, it was not anything the Pride could not handle. The Pride did well managing the Red Stars’ pressure, and regaining control. Instead of “parking the bus,” and defending their lead, there was still plenty of urgency in the Pride attack, as the team were still getting forward and creating chances. Despite being able to breakthrough the Red Stars’ backline multiple times, and make many attempts on goal, the Red Stars’ defense and Alyssa Naeher were able to hold off the Pride attack, and deny them additional goals.

In regard to the Pride’s defense, the backline performed well in this second half too. Moorhouse made some important saves, in addition to the backline making essential recoveries and clearances. Transitions out the back were quick and composed. Much like the first half, the Pride were still winning possession further up the pitch, once again, cutting off the Red Stars’ attack in the process. While there was more of an attacking threat from the Red Stars, the Pride remained dominant and in control.

Overall, this was another outstanding performance and win for the Orlando Pride team.