Playing against the defending champions in their first NWSL games. Quite an introduction to life as a professional for four Orlando Pride players on Sunday afternoon, as they took the field for the first time in purple.
Draft picks Emily Madril, Messiah Bright, and Summer Yates, as well as 2022 draftee Caitlin Cosme got their first experiences in the league in the Pride’s 4-0 loss to the Portland Thorns.
Despite the result, it was an important first step for the players to acclimate them into the way other teams in the league will play and how they can adapt as the season goes along.
“Playing in front of a big crowd against the champions, you have to put young players in positions where they feel uncomfortable,” Orlando head coach Seb Hines said after the game.
“They have to play. That's the only way they're going to get better. Giving them an opportunity so they can thrive, learn and develop. Now do it early, where the nerves are out the way. This is the first game, there's plenty of more games coming up, it’s a difficult environment to come [to]. But, it's great that they get exposure they can only get better from getting time on the field. So I think everyone should be excited of what the future holds for every player that we have here.”
The start for Caitlin Cosme was the first of her pro career, after missing all of last season. For Madril, it was her first pro action stateside after playing last year overseas in Sweden.
“I thought they did well,” Hines said of his young centerbacks, “It's a lot to learn from, playing against the MVP of the league and probably one of the best players in the league. We were direct in transition. She's [Sophia Smith] a threat and I thought they dealt with it pretty well. … I think Emily [Madril] and Caitlin [Cosme] can form a good relationship, and that's important. Having that partnership where you can communicate and learn from each other.”
With Messiah Bright and Summer Yates, both 2023 draftees, it was a valuable learning experience for them in the attack, against a defense that finished third in the league in goals allowed last season.
“I'm really proud of them,” defender Haley McCutcheon said, “I think that they did a great job, all things considered. This is one of the hardest places to play and they handled it and we all tried to help each other. I think it's just something that we all can learn from by being prepared and being better and executing next time, but I'm really proud of how they came out in their first cap and really tried to do the right things.”
The Pride will regroup and prepare for their home opener on Sunday, April 2, as they host Angel City FC at Exploria Stadium.
Next up: Orlando Pride vs. Angel City FC
Sunday, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Exploria Stadium, Orlando
TV: FOX35 PLUS, Paramount+
Tickets: View seats
