ORLANDO, Fla. (August 25, 2017) - Orlando Pride (8-6-5, 29 points) looks to extend its unbeaten streak to five straight games on Saturday afternoon when it travels to face FC Kansas City (6-8-5, 23 points) at Swope Soccer Village. Both teams will be looking for their fourth straight win, which would tie the NWSL season-high set by both North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns FC.
A win or draw on Saturday would also leave the Pride undefeated in the month of August, which would mark the first unblemished month in the team’s short history.
Saturday’s match will be broadcast on Lifetime, with pregame starting at 3:30 p.m. ET and kickoff slated for 3:50 p.m. ET. It will be the sixth time the Pride are featured in the NWSL Game of the Week. Fans can also watch online at NWSLsoccer.com.
“We know Kansas City is coming into this match high on confidence after three straight wins, against quality opponents as well. [Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski] has kept a very stable team and they really seem to be clicking as of late,” Head Coach Tom Sermanni said. “Like every match, we know to expect a battle on Saturday and will have to capitalize on our opportunities when we get them.”
The Pride head into Saturday’s match riding a 2-1 victory at the Boston Breakers last weekend. Orlando jumped out to a 1-0 lead on Alex Morgan’s eighth-minute goal. The forward completed the brace in the second half, putting the Pride up by two goals, after collecting a nifty chip pass from Ali Krieger on a set piece and lofting the ball over Breakers goalkeeper Abby Smith. The home side got one back late in the match, scoring on a penalty kick just before the final whistle.
With two goals on Saturday, Morgan made it four straight matches with a goal and has now scored seven goals in eight appearances this season. She leads the league with a goal scored every 86.8 minutes and combines with Marta to form one of the most dangerous attacking duos in the NWSL. Marta ranks third in the league with 11 goals scored and leads the league with 46 chances created so far this season.
The Blues picked up one of their biggest wins on Sunday, knocking off the Red Stars 3-1 on the road. U.S. Women’s National Team forward Sydney Leroux scored the opening goal before Katie Bowen extended it to two goals. Julie Ertz got one back for the home side, but second-half substitute Maegan Kelly sealed things late in the match for Kansas City.
The two sides last met on July 15 when Orlando exploded for a four-goal performance, picking up a 4-1 win at Orlando City Stadium. Twenty-two minutes in, Camila played a short corner before Marta beat multiple KC defenders, floating a cross into the box that Alanna Kennedy headed home for her second goal of the season. Morgan added the team’s second goal on a penalty kick. Toni Pressley and Kristen Edmonds also scored their first goals of the season in the game, while Aubrey Bledsoe made three saves. The scoreline marked a historic performance for the Pride, posting a new high for shots in a game with 25.
After Saturday’s match, the Pride return home for their final three home matches of the regular season, first facing the Boston Breakers on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Orlando City Stadium. Orlando will then host Seattle Reign FC on Sept. 9 and Thorns FC on Sept. 23.
