Orlando Pride’s 2017 season was an exciting sophomore campaign for the young team. The Pride set the league on fire in the middle of the season with their high-powered offense and world-class players, while making the playoffs for the first time in their still short existence. With all the exciting moments from this season, we narrowed it down to the top five from the 2017 season.
#5: The Rookie Saves The Day Against Sky Blue
A mid-week game for the Pride and their second in just four days required a dramatic finish for Orlando, as they continued to work back into the playoff picture. After going down 2-1 to Sky Blue FC just a minute after the second half began, the Pride fought back and managed to tie it up with just 15 minutes left thanks to Marta. This set up a frenetic finish between the two teams as the Pride continued to create chances. Finally, in the 85th minute the away team found the breakthrough. Rachel Hill, who had just come in as a sub in the 67th minute, managed to get a head on a cross from Steph Catley to find the eventual game-winner. The goal also happened to be Hill’s first professional goal. Not a bad way to open your account.
#4: Marta, Camila Show Out Against Houston
It was a special night for Orlando’s Brazilian attacking crew. The Pride faced the Houston Dash on a mid June evening and brought the fireworks early on. Just 15 minutes into the game Camila blasted one into the back of the net from 30 yards out, after Marta found her in space. The night for Marta had just begun as she would end up being a part of all four goals the Pride would eventually score on the night. The former World Player of the Year found her first goal just six minutes after Camila, as she took the ball from midfield and made an incredible run towards goal, eventually finishing the attack by herself. Marta scored again 11 minutes into the second half and assisted on the fourth goal from Alanna Kennedy off a corner kick. A special day for Orlando’s number 10.
#3: Mother’s Day Win Over Unbeaten North Carolina
The Pride came into a home matchup against the North Carolina Courage as underdogs. The Courage had not lost a game yet in the season and were on a roll offensively, facing a Pride team that was just starting to get going. After a scoreless first half, Orlando came out of the locker room focused and ready to pounce, and pounce they did. Chioma Ubogagu opened the scoring just three minutes after the break and Camila added a second just seconds later, to stun the undefeated Courage. While the visiting team was able to pull a goal back, Jasmyne Spencer was able to finish off the job.
#2: Pride Soar Over Sky Blue in Maddy Evans’ Final Match
It was an emotional game for the Pride family. Midfielder Maddy Evans had just announced her retirement and would have one final swan song in Orlando’s game against Sky Blue FC. With Evans starting on the bench, the Pride bursted out of the gates, scoring just three minutes into the match, thanks to Alex Morgan. Goals by Dani Weatherholt, Morgan again and Marta twice would have the team up by a comfortable 5-0 scoreline before Evans would come into the game in the 62nd minute. Despite not getting a goal in her final match, the Pride were able to send her out with a statement win.
#1: Marta Makes Her Debut, Pride Make A Comeback In Home Opener
The first home game of the year for the Pride had storylines galore. Marta, who had just landed in Orlando less than 48 hours before, was set to make her Pride debut, while the team itself was hosting their first ever game at Orlando City Stadium. The team’s opponents, the Washington Spirit, looked to spoil the party. After just over an hour of tightly contested soccer, the Spirit were the first to score and put the home team on the back foot. Just a minute before the goal, Marta came off the bench for her debut and began to settle into the game. With their attack revitalized, the Pride pushed for an equalizer, eventually finding one though an unlikely source. Pride rookie Danica Evans had come into the match in the 75th minute and pulled off a moment of brilliance just 10 minutes later, leveling the game and sending the 14,452 in attendance into delirium.
