Know Your Opponent: Orlando Pride

Washington Spirit  |   July 5, 2018
Know Your Opponent: Orlando Pride Featured Image

Boyds, MD. – Saturday, March 31 2018: The Washington Spirit defeated the Orlando Pride 2-0 in a NWSL game at the Maryland Soccerplex.

Boyds, MD (July 5, 2018) – The Washington Spirit travels to the Sunshine State this weekend for the third and final matchup of the season against the Orlando Pride. The Spirit seeks the team’s second win of the season against the Pride, and first road win of 2018. 

Continue reading for a look at what to watch for from Orlando on Saturday night in the NWSL Game of the Week on ESPNEWS (7:30 p.m. ET).

Form

Since defeating the Spirit on June 23, the Pride have lost its past two contests at home. The Pride fell to the Houston Dash by a final score of 2-1 on June 27, then fell on Saturday to NWSL league-leading North Carolina Courage on June 30, 3-0. The Pride holds a 2-3-2 record at Orlando City Stadium in 2018.

Offensive Trio Back Together

On Saturday, the Pride’s star attackers Marta, Sydney Leroux and Alex Morgan started their first game together since April 28 against Seattle. The trio could not boost an Orlando side that has struggled offensively in its past three games in the 3-0 defeat against North Carolina. The trio have accounted for nine goals this season.

Balanced Attack

Six of Orlando’s eight goal scorers have found the net multiple times this season. Rachel Hill, Chioma Ubogagu and Leroux are all tied for the team lead with four goals each. Christine Nairn (4 assists) and Marta (3 assists) have served as the team’s key playmakers in the attacking third.

History in Orlando

Saturday’s contest is only the second matchup between the two teams at Orlando City Stadium and only the third meeting in Orlando. Last season, Orlando defeated the Spirit 3-0, with all three scores coming in the second half. In 2016, the Spirit defeated the Pride 2-1 in a game that took place at Camping World Stadium.

Grudge Match

For the third and final meeting between the sides this season, each team owns a victory over the other side this season. In Washington’s home opener, the Spirit knocked off the Pride 2-0 behind goals from Mallory Pugh and Ashley Hatch. Orlando earned revenge on June 23 thanks to a strike from Alanna Kennedy in the 11th minute to earn a 1-0 win.

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