SANDY, Utah (April 12, 2024_) –_ The Orlando Pride (1-0-3, 6 points) picked up its first win of the 2024 season on Friday night, keeping a clean sheet on the road to beat host Utah Royals FC (1-3-0, 3 points) by a 1-0 scoreline. The Pride were led by captain Marta, who scored the deciding goal after coming onto the field just six-minutes prior.
Marta’s game-winner marked the 200th regular season goal scored in Pride history, with the Brazilian accounting for 33 of those tallies. Kerry Abello picked up the assist on the goal, the first of her regular season career.
Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse earned the shutout between the sticks, the eighth of her NWSL career.
The Pride will next turn their attention to next week’s test, welcoming San Diego Wave FC to INTER&Co Stadium on Friday, April 19.
Scoring Summary:
68’ Marta (Kerry Abello) – ORL 1, UTA 0
The Pride found the breakthrough in the second half after Ally Watt sent a ball to the back post that found Kerry Abello on the left, who sent it back across the box to the right foot of Marta. The Brazilian used one touch to send a rocket past the Royals’ goalkeeper.
Head Coach Seb Hines:
“We set out at the start of the year, considering how well we did last year, we knew we had to pick up more points away from home and what a great example today with three points away from home, under tough conditions. Obviously after an international break, as well. I just love the commitment and the desire from the players to keep going and play the right way and it’s a massive reward for them to come away with three points after having a really good performance today.”
Match Notes:
- Marta’s goal counted as her second of the season and also marked the 200th regular season goal scored in Pride history
- Kerry Abello recorded her first assist of the year and her third in her NWSL career, all of which have come with the Pride.
- Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse earned her first clean sheet of the season and the eighth of her career.
- In the midfield, Summer Yates earned her first career NWSL regular season start.
- Head Coach Seb Hines made two changes to his starting XI from the Club’s last matchup against the Chicago Red Stars with Julie Doyle and Yates entering the starting lineup.
Next Match: The Pride will return to INTER&Co Stadium to host the reigning NWSL Shield winners San Diego Wave on Friday, April 19. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET with the match available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
