With Steph Catley’s contract signed this week, the Orlando Pride defense is shaping up to be one of the best in the country. Possible starting defenders include Ali Krieger, Alanna Kennedy, Monica Hickmann Alves, Steph Catley, and Laura Alleway. With Krieger, Kennedy, Catley, and Alleway on the back four, and Monica playing defending midfielder, this defense will give even the best of the NWSL a run for their money.
Catley, Alleway, and Kennedy are all defenders for the Australian Women’s National Team. Last season, Sermanni talked about a lack of chemistry on the team simply because the squad had not played together; Kennedy, Alleway, and Catley will not be lacking that. They should also be present for most if not all of the season, with no major tournaments on the horizon.
Defender Ali Krieger is widely considered one of the best in the league, and has appeared for the U.S Women’s National Team in both the World Cup and Olympic tournaments. She’s also worked with Ashlyn Harris throughout her career both at the club and national team level, further solidifying the chemistry in the defensive half of the field.
Monica had a great season with the Pride last year, stepping up when her team needed her and proving her flexibility. Monica has played both in the back four and in the defensive midfield, providing Tom Sermanni with the options necessary to increase the Pride’s defensive presence on the field. Monica also had a tremendous year with the Brazilian Women’s National Team, playing every minute of every match in the Rio Olympics.
With these five women working together, and Harris between the goalposts, they will be a force to be reckoned with. Both Alleway and Kennedy can use their height to their advantage, and Catley and Krieger have proven to be effective on the wings. Both girls can use their speed and offensive skills to get the ball forward and possibly even score, as Catley did in the Pride’s season opener last year against Portland.
In short, this Pride defense is shaping up to be one of the best in the league. They will be prepared to take on even the toughest offense in the league.
