With 14 out of 24 matches played in the NWSL season, the Pride were in need of a breakthrough performance to build momentum for a playoff push. Tom Sermanni’s side did just that in their emphatic 4-1 victory over FC Kansas City at Orlando City Stadium last Saturday.
Now the Pride have two consecutive matches against the Chicago Red Stars; who are having a successful season of their own. Led by Christen Press, the Red Stars sit second place in the NWSL standings with 25 points. Orlando (19 points) currently sit in sixth place.
The Pride have a chance to change the script when they travel up to Toyota Stadium this weekend, then turn around and host Chicago at Orlando City Stadium on August 5th.
Consistency is now the key for Tom Sermanni and the Pride. There have been multiple standout performances - away wins against the Dash and Sky Blue FC, the dismantling of FC Kansas City, a solid win against Boston - but the Pride have failed to put together a significant winning streak in 2017. Which is why they are currently on the outside looking in.
The NWSL playoff race is still wide open and the Pride are certainly contenders. Two massive games against the Red Stars could potentially set up Orlando for a push into the top four.
