In the last couple of weeks, the Orlando Pride have found success in a new formation that may seem foreign to some Pride supporters. Kristen Edmonds, the top goal-scorer for the team last season, has played at the right back position. Ali Krieger has moved to the center back, and Australian international Alanna Kennedy has taken up a role in the defensive midfield, alongside Monica.
For Kennedy, the shift to the midfield isn’t so much a new role as it is a return to an old one.
“I think I’m probably naturally more of a midfielder. I’ve spent all my years growing up playing in the midfield, I made my debut under Tom [Sermanni] in the midfield,” Kennedy said, speaking of her debut for the Australian National Team. “I think I was a midfield converted defender. I enjoy being in there, I feel comfortable next to [Monica] and I think the style we’re playing at the moment is well-suited for that. I think it works for us and I’m enjoying being in there.”
“Alanna has always been either a midfield player or a defender,” Head Coach Tom Sermanni said. “So, going back in history a little bit, when I brought her into the Matildas as a seventeen-year-old, we actually brought her in as a midfield player. But she was kind of a gangly seventeen-year-old at that stage, growing into her body, and the game was a little bit quick for her in the midfield. She’s now very much matured into an outstanding player, an outstanding international, and she’s got all the skill sets to play in the midfield. When we brought her in here, we weren’t sure if we were going to put her in the midfield or in the back. And with the formation we play, the role that we’re asking her to play in the midfield is great for her and great for us.”
At nearly six feet tall, Kennedy is a natural choice for a central defender. But her height and her strength give her advantages in the midfield as well-- the ability to win battles, gain possession, and score goals, like her header over the weekend against the Houston Dash. The goal helped lead the team to a 4-2 victory at BBVA Compass Stadium, their second win in as many weeks.
The team is hoping that this new formation could be a turning point in their season.
“The goal was great. It’s been a long time coming so I was happy to put that away,” Kennedy said. “And I think the team is looking good. We didn’t have the best start, but I think it’s best to have trouble at the start rather than later down the track. It’s coming together now and we’re looking strong. And we still have players to come back, so I think we’re only getting better.”
Kennedy knows what it takes to succeed in this league, having been a member of the Western New York Flash when they won the championship last season. At this point in the season, things are only getting better, and Kennedy believes that the Pride have what it takes to go all the way.
“I think the two teams couldn’t be any more opposite. Last year, we were the underdogs, but this year we have a target on our back and an expectation to meet,” Kennedy said. “But I definitely think we have the quality and it’s coming together now. Like I said, we didn’t have the best start, but it was good for us to not get complacent in the games and know that we had to be at our best all the time. I think that concentration and that quality has been shown in the last few games and we’re able to put some goals away and get some confidence.”
Sermanni doesn’t know if he will continue to use the new formation moving forward. It depends on the skill set of the opponents, as well as the health of his roster. But whether Kennedy is in the midfield or on the backline, she will always help her team find a way to win.
