Orlando Pride Get 4th Straight Win After Beating League Leaders Washington Spirit
The Orlando Pride celebrate after scoring a goal against the Washington Spirit at Exploria Stadium May 20, 2023. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orlando Pride have finally found their footing in what was easily their most complete performance in the 2023 season thus far. Seb Hines’ group of Lionesses came to Exploria Stadium with a mission in mind. After losing their last encounter to Washington Spirit in the NWSL Challenge Cup, Orlando exacted revenge with a triumphant statement to the rest of the league. With three wins in their last four, the Pride have found their stride and they continue to show up when their opponents are the toughest.
Undefeated No Longer
After a rocky start to the year, Orlando Pride have stabilized their sails and now sit 8th in the NWSL standings. The road has not been easy, with heartbreaking stoppage time losses and referee mishaps plaguing the start of the year. However, the Orlando Pride believed in the process and having Seb Hines at the helm has paid dividends.
Orlando Pride run a roster predicated on youth. Led by established stars, the Pride are able to thrive with a number of capable women on their roster that provide versatility off the bench. This weekend’s match against Washington Spirit was a perfect example of the Orlando Pride firing on all cylinders. Taking a win off the undefeated Spirit is the biggest triumph in Orlando Pride’s season thus far, and their hunger for more is only growing according to Kylie Strom:
“It’s just enjoying the process, honestly. Enjoying going to training every day, off-season just putting in the work and just never being satisfied. We really do have something special here. Every day we just go in with a smile on our face and work hard; and to have the results paying off, it just feels really good.”
— Kylie Strom on her growth as a player and team development paying off.
There were zero lapses in concentration in transition from defense to offense. Anna Moorhouse buoyed the team with a handful of useful saves early, and from that moment on the swagger within the Pride was visible for all to see. Kylie Strom and Haley McCutcheon deserve plaudits for their proactivity on the ball. When the Pride can lead into attack with their full-backs, the options open up as their attacking trident along with Marta and Mikayla Cluff start to flourish. Despite the slim deficit, make no mistake — the Orlando Pride are developing a potent formula for success.
Brazilians bringing the Jogo Bonito
One of the undeniable headlines of the weekend was the resurgence of Brazil legend Marta as she scored a penalty and assisted in the other goal. Her performance on the weekend was enough to win her player of the game. Marta performing well is a positive boon to Orlando after she missed a majority of last year to injury.
Now, with the knee issues behind her she is finding her football and delivering a spark of life with her pressing runs and ability to find the open lane. Her assist towards Strom’s goal was the cherry on top to an excellent performance both individually and team-wide as the Lionesses’ walked away with a massive three points and have officially put the league on notice.
The other Brazilian breathing life into Exploria Stadium cannot go without mention. Adriana’s form in recent weeks has been a revelation for the Pride. Even though she isn’t on the scoring sheet every weekend, her mark on any game she partakes in is undeniable.
Regularly she can be seen blazing the boots of NWSL defenses and her creativity in front of the box or in front of goal makes her difficult to defend. Her speed is elite level, her dribbling is a defenders worst nightmare, and as she continues to adapt to this league; look for Adriana to become a pivotal figure for Orlando Pride especially in the final third.
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Nicolas Vera is a reporter for Florida National News, part of the FNN News Network. | info@floridanationalnews.com