LAKE MARY, Fla. — The Orlando Pride return home Friday night carrying momentum: back-to-back road clean sheets, four points from two away matches, and now the chance to close out the first stretch of the season before an international break in front of their own supporters.
The only thing missing is a win at home.
Through two matches at Inter&Co Stadium, the Pride have created the chances. In fact, they are one of the top teams in chances created. The biggest hurdle has been capitalizing on those chances. The match against Chicago on the road, where the Pride scored three times, got the team on good momentum, and with Angel City coming to town Friday, the group is eager to show they can now do it on their home turf.
"We've had a good road trip. Four points in two games," Hines said following training on Wednesday at Orlando Health Training Ground at Sylvan Lake Park. "So yeah, to finish this part of the season with a win at home is where our minds are at right now."
The defensive growth over those two road outings has been a particular point of emphasis. Especially the last match out against Gotham. A clean sheet and only allowing two shots on target. It's a big step forward following the first two matches of the season.
"Looking back at our first two games at home, we created a lot of opportunities, a lot of shots, but probably let ourselves down with the opportunities that we've given up," Hines said. "We've tightened up our defense, knowing roles and responsibilities. It's going to take time, as well. A new backline, new players coming into a new environment. But we should take a lot of positives away from that result."
Defender Hailie Mace, a new face in the backline herself, echoed her coach's sentiment. Her performances have been getting better and better as she acclimates to her new team and teammates.
"I think it's hard at the beginning of the season to get used to each other," Mace said. "So after a few games, I think we have developed a pretty good chemistry between the backline. Everyone has stepped in and done a really good job and contributed to the clean sheets, and getting them on the road is huge."
Now, the focus turns back to the friendly confines of Inter&Co Stadium as the Pride host the hottest team in NWSL: Angel City. The LA side have gone unbeaten through their first three matches, scoring nine goals in that span, led by three from forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir. They've also been solid in the backline, only allowing two goals this season so far. Former Pride defender Emily Sams, now starting for them, has been key to that point.
"They have a pretty good attack. They've obviously scored a lot of goals and not let a lot in," Mace said of Angel City. "So I think just sticking to our principles and doing what we do best, I think will get us ready for the challenge."
"I think some teams have gifted them goals as well," Hines said. "So we have to stop that. We can't give them any sort of invitations to go to goal. They've been direct as well in the last couple of games, balancing out the risk-reward. They've got a forward who's on form, but so do we. So I think they'll be as mindful of us as we are of them."
Kickoff on Friday is set for 8 p.m ET at Inter&Co Stadium. The match will be available to stream on Prime Video.
