Pride’s Hill working to net more goals

stood behind with a group of players after practice was over.

Once a week, Hill and the others work on their end product. Tuesday’s session lasted about 20 minutes. After she’s done, Hill’s practice jersey is drenched in sweat. It’s just another day in training for the rookie.

“It was good. We’re short on numbers, but good,” Hill said.

Hill works on her technique, her placement of the ball when she shoots on goal and the power in her right foot during the sessions. Her work is to reach a number she’s set out for herself: five.

“I hope to have five goals at the end of the season and a couple of more assists,” she said.

The 22-year-old forward has scored once and earned an assist in eight games. It’s a number she didn’t think was possible to attain before the season started.

“I’d hope to play eventually,” Hill said. “I didn’t know when that would be, so it happened sooner than I expected, which I was pleased about.”

Hill started in her debut against Boston on June 3. The plan heading into the game was to play 45 minutes. Minute 46 came and Hill stayed on the pitch. Hill played a full 90 and registered two shots, both on target.

“She’s just got a great capacity to go for 90 minutes and a lot of energy to do that,” coach said. “That combined with her speed creates stuff for us. It puts pressure on the defenders.”

Hill scored her first career goal in Orlando’ 3-2 win against Sky Blue FC on June 28. She scored in the 86th minute, and helped give the Pride three points.

Hill wants more. She had a prolific career at UConn, scoring 61 goals. Hill has nine games to reach her goal in her first season with Orlando.

“Coming in, I said I just wanted to play but since I started playing, I hope to put some in the back of the net since that is my job,” she said. “And then as a team, I really hope that we can hit the playoffs and make that.”

With seven teammates playing in the inaugural Tournament of Nations, the Pride players left behind are paying close attention.

“[It’s] really cool,” Hill said. “Seeing being the captain, it’s crazy, but I’m really happy for all of them. They are doing great.”

Catley captained the Australian side in its 4-2 win over Japan. has started both games. Australia is at the top of the table with six points with one game to go. Australia can clinch The Tournament of Nations Thursday against a Brazil side featuring and If the U.S. draws or loses against Japan late Thursday, Australia will clinch the title. Australia can also win the tournament with a draw or victory against Brazil. The U.S. squad, featuring

and recorded a dramatic come-from-behind win against Brazil in its last game. The U.S. scored three goals in nine minutes with 12 to play, erasing a 3-1 deficit and winning 4-3.

“It’s been a bit wild so far,” Pride defender

said. “But I think what a way for the U.S. to come back and get that result. It’s unbelievable.”