Pride rally around backup goalkeepers
When starting went down early in the Orlando Pride’s game against the Seattle Reign, her teammates were stunned.
“She’s our captain, one of our best players,” defender
said. “So it’s incredibly tough seeing a leader and a mentor go down like that in so much pain.” With backup goalkeeper
sidelined due to a concussion, replacement goalkeeper
had to step up and she exceeded expectations against the best offense in the National Women’s Soccer League.
“She’d only been with us for a day, 24 hours, and I thought she was incredible. I thought she made some massive saves,” Catley said. “She didn’t look flustered at all. She came and did her role and was loud and confident and really proved that she can perform in the league when she needs to.”
With Harris out for eight weeks, Bledsoe will also have an opportunity to prove herself after missing her chance to play last season due to a fractured fibula.
“In training, she’s always performing. She’s always getting the most out of herself and working hard,” Catley said. “When the day finally comes that she’s ready to go and gonna be taking that number one for a little while, she’ll be ready and we all have full faith in her, so we’re excited to see what she can do.” goalkeeper June, when they will take on Spain and Iceland in a pair of friendlies. Forward
and defenders
and called up.
“It’s always important. It’s always emotional to be called up for the national team,” Camila said through a translator. “And it’s a great point for my career and also to bring Orlando Pride’s name, you know, worldwide since we’re gonna play other countries.”
The Brazilians have been huge for the Pride this season, scoring four of the team’s seven goals, including a game-tying goal from Marta against Seattle during the weekend.
“I think they’re incredible,” Catley said. “I knew what the Brazilians are like based from international experience and playing against them, but it’s very nice to have them on our team. They’re always creative and dangerous.”
The Brazilians are not expected to miss any Pride games due to the call-ups, according to a club spokeswoman.
have all been
The first portion of the schedule this season has not been easy for Orlando. Through six games, the Pride have already played on the road four times, with another away game coming Saturday against Sky Blue FC in New Jersey.
After a slow start, the Pride have managed to come away with points in their last two road games, but have yet to win a game away from home.
“It’s always hard to play away,” Camila said. “They have the fans, their support and we’re away from ours, so it’s important to get each point we can get out of our city and when we come back, we can get our wins at home.”
After this weekend’s game, the Pride’s schedule will begin to ease, with six of the team’s next 10 games being played at home. The Pride will also get to finish out the 2017 season with six of their final nine games at Orlando City Stadium.