#1: Announcing The Club
In October 2015, Orlando City Soccer Club announced that they were expanding into the NWSL. The Orlando Pride launched with Tom Sermanni as the head coach, and within a week, the Pride announced the acquisition of NWSL veterans Kaylyn Kyle, Sarah Hagen, and Alex Morgan. The Pride were the 10th expansion team for the NWSL, and came in during a historic time of growth in women’s soccer following the success of the 2015 World Cup.
#2: Club’s First Goal
The Orlando Pride played their first match on the road against the Portland Thorns. In that match, Steph Catley scored the first goal for the Orlando Pride off a free kick in the 12th minute. Her goal earned the NWSL Goal of the Week for Week
#3: Breaking NWSL Attendance Record
Orlando Pride broke the NWSL attendance record in their home opener, hosting 21,144 fans for their match against the Houston Dash. The Pride gave those fans a show, earning a 3-1 victory over the Dash for their first win of the season.
#4: Final Match At Camping World Stadium
The Orlando Pride finished their historic inaugural season on Saturday, September 24th against FC Kansas City. Aside from being the last match of the season, it was also the Pride’s last match at Camping World Stadium. The Pride will be moving into the new downtown stadium at the start of the 2017 season.
#5: Harris Wins NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year
After the end of the season, the NWSL gave out their annual awards and announced that Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris was the 2016 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year. The award was chosen by the league, the fans, the media, and owners/coaches. Harris’ award came after an amazing season, in which she earned the second highest percentage of saves in the league.
