1 - On The Road Again
After three matches at home and a FIFA international break, the Pride head back on the road for the first time in four weeks. Orlando last played away from home on July 22, a 2-1 loss at Chicago.
2 - Homestand Heroics
Orlando Pride heads into Saturday’s match on the heels of its most successful homestand in team history. After opening the three-game series with a 1-1 draw against Chicago on Aug. 5, the Pride exploded for a 3-0 win over Washington on Aug. 8 followed by a record-setting 5-0 victory against Sky Blue FC on Aug. 12.
The five goals in the final match set a team record for most goals in a match as well as the Club’s record for most goals scored at Orlando City Stadium. It also marked
the largest margin of victory by all three teams under the Orlando City SC umbrella.
3 - Ali The Ironwoman
Through 18 matches this season, veteran defender Ali Krieger is the only player to have featured in all 1,620 minutes thus far. The right back turned center back has started all matches in her first season with the Pride, wearing the captain’s armband while Ashlyn Harris was sidelined with an injury.
The Australian duo of Alanna Kennedy and Steph Catley rank second and third on the team in minutes, with 1,561 and 1,530 respectively.
4 - Homecoming For Hill
New England native Rachel Hill will return to the northeast for the first time in her professional career on Saturday. However, Hill enters the match after suffering an ankle sprain three matches ago in a draw against Chicago on Aug. 5. She is probable for the game.
The rookie forward has one goal and one assist so far this season.
5 - Playoff Picture
After Saturday’s 5-0 win, the Pride jumped into playoff position for the first time in team history, leap frogging Seattle Reign FC. The Reign, however, played a midweek match on Wednesday, pulling out a thrilling come-from- behind victory at Chicago.
With the win, Reign FC regained the fourth position but the Pride are just one point away with 26 points. A win Saturday in Boston paired with a Seattle loss at New Jersey would allow the Pride to climb back into fourth.
6 - Ashlyn In Action
Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris made her first appearance since May 21 in Saturday’s shutout victory. The veteran keeper missed 11 matches due to a quadriceps injury suffered at Seattle Reign FC.
Harris made three saves in the match, including two big stops midway through the second half to preserve her first, and the team’s third, shutout of the season.
7 - Recognize The Goat
After scoring three goals last week, Marta earned her first NWSL Goal of the Week honor. The Brazilian legend’s 52nd minute goal on Aug. 8 against Washington - a give-and-go with Alex Morgan - beat out the three other nominees.
8 - International Allies
U.S. Women’s National Team striker Alex Morgan and Brazilian forward Marta are starting to hit their stride, spelling concern for the Pride’s upcoming opponents. Since July 8, the duo has scored 10 of the Pride’s 16 goals and assisted on four. Morgan and Marta have connected with each other three times in the Pride’s last two matches, while their presence has also opened up opportunities for the Pride’s other attacking threats.
9 - Nine-Point Night?
Saturday will mark the third straight week that all three Orlando City SC teams will play on the same day. The Pride get things started at 4 p.m. at Boston followed by OCB at Charlotte at 7 p.m. Orlando City wraps up the night with a 7:30 p.m. home match against Columbus Crew SC.
