Orlando Pride (5-8-1, 16 points) vs OL Reign (7-4-3, 24 points)
When: Friday, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Exploria Stadium, Orlando, Fla.
TV: Paramount+ (subscription required)
As the Pride get set to face the Reign on Friday night, here are six things to watch for:
Doyle’s Da Bomb
Pride forward Julie Doyle recorded a brace scoring two goals in the first 16 minutes of the first half in the Club’s most recent 3-0 win over the Washington Spirit, a performance that would earn her Week 14 NWSL Player of the Week honors. The brace was Doyle’s first professional brace with both goals coming withing eight minutes of one another. The two goals are the first scored this season for Doyle and counted as her third and fourth scored in her NWSL career across all competitions after scoring in back-to-back games last year for the Pride.
Bye Bye Bye
With the 3-0 win over the Spirit, the Pride completed the NWSL regular season sweep of the Washington-based side following a 2-1 victory back at the friendly confines of Exploria Stadium. The Pride have one more game scheduled against the Spirit in the UGK Challenge Cup on August 4, at Exploria Stadium. The loss also counted as the first loss the Spirit have taken at home of Audi Field so far this season. The Pride were also the first team to defeat the San Diego Wave at their home stadium earlier this season with a 3-1 win back on April 29.
The Turn of the Century
Defender Haley McCutcheon made the start in the match, marking her 100th career NWSL regular season appearance. McCutcheon was acquired by the Pride via trade with the Houston Dash back in August of last season. She originally entered the league after she was selected as the No. 7 pick in the 2018 NWSL Draft by the Dash. Since joining Orlando, she has made 20 regular season appearances while donning the Pride kit.
U Can’t Touch This
Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse only needed to make two saves on her way to her third clean sheet of the season. Moorhouse is currently second in the NWSL with 54 saves in 12 appearances across all competitions. Moorhouse's last clean sheet came in a 0-0 draw against NJ/NY Gotham FC on May 14 at Red Bull Arena.
Mo Money, NO Problems
This week, the Pride announced two signings in Brazilian National Team defender Rafaelle Souza and Argentine forward Mariana Larroquette. Both players join the Pride on contracts through the 2025 season and return to the NWSL after having previously played in the league. Souza spent the last two seasons at Arsenal totaling 35 appearances and four goals, playing primarily center back, and was just recently named to Brazil’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup roster. Larroquette comes to Orlando from Mexico’s Club León and will also be participating in the World Cup with her home country of Argentina. The two players will join the team after their respective runs in the tournament.
Be Kind, Rewind
Friday night at Exploria Stadium and the Pride will be turning back to the clock to celebrate Decades Night, presented by Walt Disney World. Fans are encouraged to dress up from their favorite decade from the 70s, 80s, 90s or 2000s. The Mane Street Plaza will have a plethora of activities for fans before the match and then they can head in the stadium and enjoy karaoke on the concourse with throwback hits, costume prizes and much more. The first 2000 fans at the match will also receive thundersticks, courtesy of Disney.
Milestone Tracker
- Defender Kylie Strom is two appearances away from 50 across her Pride regular-season career.
- Defender Celia is three appearances away from 50 across her NWSL regular-season career.
- Midfielder Erika Tymrak is one goal away from 20 across her NWSL regular-season career. With a goal this season, Tymrak will become the only player in NWSL history to record at least one goal and one assist in every NWSL regular season.
