ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 28, 2021) - Orlando Pride (7-9-7, 28 points) is set to conclude its 2021 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season on Friday, Oct. 29, against the Chicago Red Stars (10-8-5, 35 points) at Exploria Stadium. Kickoff for the match, presented by Janney Roofing, is set for 7 p.m. ET, with the contest exclusively available to stream on Twitch.
“[Chicago is] a pretty direct team in terms of their weapons they’ve definitely got a lot of them and they’ve definitely got something on the line and they’ll be playing hard,” interim Head Coach Becky Burleigh said ahead of the match. “We have to match that intensity and that ability to come out and play with purpose. I’m just looking for us to maximize our ability on the field on Friday night.”
Friday will serve as the third matchup between the Pride and Red Stars this season and first match between the clubs in downtown Orlando. When the two teams met in August, the Pride handed the Red Stars a 2-0 defeat in Chicago where both Jodie Taylor and Sydney Leroux found the back of the net and the Pride defense held Chicago scoreless. The Red Stars later took three points from the Pride, with a 1-0 win at SeatGeek Stadium.
Before the international break, Orlando took on Racing Louisville, which resulted in a 3-1 defeat on Oct. 16. In the opening minutes of the match, Alex Morgan threaded a through ball behind the backline to Jodie Taylor, who slotted the ball past the keeper. The third-minute strike was the third fastest goal in Pride history.
Sydney Leroux continues to lead the Pride in goals scored at eight and also has two assists on the season. Teammates Marta and Taylor Kornieck continue to lead the Pride in assists, each with three on the year.
The Red Stars took on Kansas City prior to the international break, winning 2-1 at SeatGeek Stadium. After an own goal by Kansas City opened the scoring in the match, the visitors were able to level the score just three minutes later, heading into halftime 1-1. Makenzy Doniak scored the eventual game-winner for Chicago in the 50th minute.
Kealia Watt and Mal Pugh lead the Red Stars in goals scored with four apiece on the season. Both Watt and Pugh also lead the team in assists with four each.
Friday night’s match will conclude the 2021 season for the Pride. Season tickets for the 2022 season are available at Orlando-Pride.com or by calling (855) ORL-CITY.
