The Orlando Pride seem to be on a mission in their preseason matches. They’ve won all four-- against Stetson University, University of South Florida, University of Florida, and Florida State University. Their final match of the preseason will be against the U-23 U.S Women’s National Team this Friday, April 7th.
This match will see the Pride without many of their national team players, as Camila and Monica will be away for the Brazilian National Team, and Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger will be on the road with the United States. The match gives the Pride an opportunity to test their depth, and give some of their newest players a real shot before the start of the season.
The Pride have found a lot of success so far in their preseason. This year is different, everyone insists, because of everything works more smoothly when you’re no longer the new kids on the block. The Pride have added a lot of international and young talent to their roster in the offseason, and the chemistry has continued to grow as veterans who spent all of last year playing together returned to the pitch.
The Pride have allowed just one goal in their four preseason matches, and have scored a total of seventeen goals against their opponents. With Alanna Kennedy, Ali Krieger, Steph Catley, Laura Alleway, Cami Levin, Toni Pressley, Camila, and Monica all available on the backline, the Pride have potentially one of the best defenses in the NWSL. Their attacking game isn’t slacking either, scoring at least two goals in each of their preseason matches.
Their first test of the regular season against the Portland Thorns. Providence Park is never an easy place to travel to, but the Pride are looking good and a potentially weakened Portland side could work to their benefit. Lindsey Horan and Tobin Heath, two U.S Women’s National Team midfielders, are missing this weekend’s friendlies against Russia due to injury. The Thorns have yet to say whether they will be healthy and available for Week One.
Regardless of the opponent, the Pride should feel good about the work they’ve done in the preseason and the chemistry they’re developing on the pitch. They’re proving that they will be a dangerous side to face during the regular season: especially if they’ve got the support of the Orlando City fan base behind.
The Pride will open their season on the road against the Portland Thorns. Their home opener will be on Saturday, April 22nd, at Orlando City Stadium. You can buy your tickets here.
