Pre-Match Notes

After coming off of a 0-1 win against the Seattle Reign, the Orlando Pride are currently undefeated. They have four wins in a row, right on par with the Kansas City Current, who are also maintaining a four-game win streak. The Pride are now set to meet the Washington Spirit, and the team is hoping to extend their undefeated streak by either grabbing another win, or settling for a draw.

The Orlando Pride technically played the Washington Spirit before the NWSL regular season kicked off. This was in the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup Final, where the Spirit would ultimately win on penalties after tying things up in the second half. The Pride did fairly well in that game. One can even say, it set the stage for how the Pride has been performing so far this season.

In the Challenge Cup Final, the Pride were able to get forward and create plenty of chances. Unfortunately, what hurt the Pride in that matchup was their inability to put away their chances. Seb Hines and many of the players said after the game, they should have put away more of their chances. The Pride team swore, after the loss, that they would not let chances and opportunities to score, fall by the wayside.

When it comes to this regular season meeting between the Pride and Spirit, the Pride will likely be keeping their Challenge Cup Final loss to the Spirit in the back of their minds. Yes, the Pride needs to score more goals. One goal in this game–in this League–just is not going to cut it.

The Pride will do well in this game. The midfield and attack is still very strong, but what we need to see more and better connection in the attacking third, as well as better chances being created and stronger finishing. The Pride has players capable of scoring many goals. Ally Watt, Barbra Banda and Marta up top have been doing well. Some change up top could still be good. For example, going with Chilufya over Watt may be something to try, and could strengthen the Pride attack.

As for the Pride’s backline and defense. That’s going surprisingly well. While their defense is proving to be a force to be reckoned with, the Pride have to be careful when it comes to the Spirit’s attack.

In the Challenge Cup Final, the Spirit were able to breakthrough the Pride backline a few times. The Pride have to lock it down in this game. On the plus side, Oihane Hernández will likely be available, and Carson Pickett is back after returning from an injury. These two will help strengthen the Pride backline, and we could see one or both of them in this game. On top of them, Emily Sams, Carrie Abello, Kylie Nadaner, and Anna Moorhouse in goal have been solid.

1st Half Notes

Orlando Pride 0-0 Washington Spirit.

How have the Pride not scored yet?

It was a pretty good first half performance from the Pride. Possession has been in the Pride’s favor. There is good control and movement through the midfield, and plenty of chances and goal scoring opportunities to go around.

The Pride have been putting a lot of pressure on the Spirit midfield and backline. We are seeing good chances and connection in the box. However, when it comes to finishing, the Pride are off, but not by much. The support in the attack is still good but there needs to be more in front of goal.

The Pride backline is facing a little challenge and pressure, but not much yet. For what’s being thrown at them, the Pride are handling it well. Abello has been getting forward, and we are seeing Oihane getting forward and creating chances too.

At the moment, the Pride have been successful at breaking through the Spirit backline. While Banda, Marta, Angelina, and Watt have been doing well, some change to the attack may help the Pride a little more. Bringing on Chanda and Chilufya could be potential changes for the second half. They might be able to provide more pace, support, and connection in the box.

The Pride so far are doing great, but, to put it simply, they need to keep control, connect in the box, and put away their chances.

Second Half and Closing Notes

Orlando Pride Lose 0-1 to the Washington Spirit.

How did the Pride not score AT ALL?

In the grand scheme of things, the Pride should have won this match, or at least come away with a draw. Overall, it was a disappointing performance. With the amount of possession and control that the Pride had in this game, with all the chances they created, the Pride should have been able to grab a goal in this match. They should have been able to come back after going down 0-1.

The Spirit would get a lucky break in the 62nd minute. Pride goalkeeper, Moorhouse, would get the ball taken off her feet after a failed clearance, which would result in Gift Monday scoring an easy goal for the Spirit.

Things would go from bad to worse in the 84th minute, after the Pride would get a goal overturned due to VAR confirming a Pride foul in the box.

Despite the mistake by Moorhouse and the overturned goal, it does not take away from the fact that the Pride had plenty of opportunities and chances to score. The team still maintained control, and were able to get forward without much challenge or issue. They created a lot of chances in both halves, and had support in the box. A mistake out the back may have hurt the Pride a little, but