Focus is on seizing control early vs. Red Stars
The Orlando Pride have shown resiliency with consecutive comeback draws against Racing Louisville and Angel City, but now is the time for them to take the next step. Getting wins.
The Pride (0-0-2, 2 points) take on Chicago Red Stars (2-0-0, 6 points) today at Inter&Co Stadium (NWSL+, 7).
The game also is airing on Bally Sports Florida as a part of a new deal signed with the club to increase the amount of local television broadcasts.
Orlando has had to come back twice this season. Coach Seb Hines sees that as a testament to how the team has trained and the medical staff has helped prepare them. Today, though, the goal is to be the team holding onto the lead against a tough Chicago side which has yet to lose.
“We want to put ourselves in a position where we’re up in the game and looking after the game more,” he said. “It’s a tough league. Its competitive and it’s hard to get points.”
The last time the Pride faced Chicago was in August. The Red Stars were riding a five-game winning streak against the Pride, who dismantled them in a 5-0 win.
Forward Julie Doyle believes the team is just a step away from being among the league’s best and can show it.
“They’ve picked up some good players. They’re coming together nicely. [Mallory] Swanson, she’s back, so they have a really good attack,” said Doyle. “If we can just be aware of the transition moments and play our game and possess, one thing that we need to build on is that final pass in the attacking third. Once we have that, then we’ll be unstoppable.”
Orlando will be without the services of Simone Charley (Season-Ending Injury — right leg), Megan Montefusco (right heel), Viviana Villacorta (SEI — left knee), and Rafaelle (left foot).