The Orlando Pride opened its regular season last Saturday in front of a crowd of 14,452 at its purple fortress, Orlando City Stadium.
"It was absolutely incredible,” said Orlando Pride defender Steph Catley. “I actually loved it.”
Pride fans were treated to a thrilling 1-1 draw by Orlando. The Pride made a last-minute comeback, scoring in the 86th minute on a goal by rookie forward Danica Evans. The fans were ecstatic, on their feet and fueling the Pride on the pitch.
Midfielder Marta, a newcomer and one of the greatest women soccer players of all-time was impressed by the stadium and the fans.
“The fans are just incredible, unbelievable,” Marta said. “They helped us for the entire 90 minutes.”
Fans were on their feet and chanting in part because of the inclusion of Marta in the 59th minute of the game. The energy in stadium was lifted, and Orlando garnered momentum for a comeback and nearly a victory at Orlando City Stadium.
“I was talking about it with some of the girls after the game and it just felt like somewhere where we could play some really great football,” Catley said. “I felt comfortable straight away and it just felt like home. I can't wait to play there again."
The Pride will travel to North Carolina to face the courage on Saturday and then face FC Kansas City on May 7. Orlando will return to its fortress on May 14 and face-off against the North Carolina Courage, one more time.
