First Home Match
Before they even stepped onto the pitch, the Orlando Pride were already breaking records. They hosted their first home match against the Houston Dash in April 2016, and hosted 23,403 fans-- the most in NWSL history. The Pride brought home a victory for their new fans, with goals scored by Alex Morgan, Lianne Sanderson, and an own goal by Andressa. With a final score of 3-1, the Orlando Pride earned their first win in franchise history and started their course for a historic inaugural season.
Kristen Edmonds Against Boston Breakers
It was the first match the Orlando Pride played without their international stars. They travelled to Boston, and went down early after a goal scored by Mollie Pathman in the 5th minute. But in the 89th minute, Edmonds drew a foul after a tough tackle by defender Brooke Elby, who was subsequently ejected from the game after earning a second yellow. Edmonds scored off a free kick just outside the box, and then charged back down the field to score another goal in the 96th minute, giving the Pride a victory. This match launched Kristen Edmonds’ season, in which she would become the leading goal-scorer for the Pride at six goals.
U.S Women’s National Team Takes Notice Of Pride Players
After exiting in the quarterfinals of the 2016 Rio Olympics, U.S Soccer suspended goalkeeper Hope Solo and terminated her contract after she made unsportsmanlike comments about the Swedish Women’s National Team. As a result, U.S Soccer started to look for a new starting goalkeeper. Orlando Pride goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris was able to step up to the plate, and has made numerous appearances as a starter for the national team since Solo’s departure. Kristen Edmonds was also noticed by the U.S Women’s National Team, earning her first call-up to the senior team. While Edmonds did not appear for the team in the two friendlies that she was called up for, the opportunity provides hope that Edmonds may appear in the future.
Tom Sermanni Preps For Match Against Seattle Reign
Of course, Head Coach Tom Sermanni has provided Pride fans with many of their most fun moments from the 2016 season. In a July match against the Seattle Reign, Sermanni showed off his strength by doing pull-ups on one of the pipes at the Seattle Reign stadium. Classic Tom.
Orlando Pride Trade For Ali Krieger
After finishing the 2016 season, the Orlando Pride traded for Washington Spirit and U.S Women’s National Team defender Ali Krieger. Krieger has played in the league for four years with the Washington Spirit, and played in this season’s NWSL final against the Western New York Flash. Krieger brings with her a wealth of experience and skill. She is one of the best in the game, and bringing her to Orlando will not only increase the talent of the squad, but shows that the Pride are a competitive home for the league’s top players.
Seat Installation Takes Place At Pride’s Future Home
In early November, the Orlando City Soccer Club installed the first seats in the city’s new soccer-specific stadium. The stadium will be the home of the Orlando Pride starting next season, and will be one of the best stadiums in the NWSL. “I think the stadium will have a huge impact on the club, and I think that’s a boost for everyone in the organization,” Sermanni said. “I think it will increase our supporter base, it will be great for our community, and it will really get the girls excited to go out and play. I think that will be a big bonus for everybody.” The Pride will share the new stadium with their MLS and USL counterparts.
