The Pride could take one step closer to glory this Saturday at Orlando City Stadium.
With a playoff spot on the line, Orlando players are primed and excited for a challenging test against the Portland Thorns in front of their home fans.
“We know [Portland] is a great team and we know they have great players, but the same can be said about us,” Pride winger Chioma Ubogagu said. “We’ve scored a lot of goals this year and we’ve done a lot better holding oppositions to less goals. We just gotta keep doing what we’re doing.”
The Pride have been on a tear in recent weeks and are now in control of their own postseason destiny with two regular season matches left. Orlando captain Ashlyn Harris is pleased with her team’s current form, but knows the pressure is still on.
“There’s always pressure in this game, that’s part of the sport. Of course there is pressure at this point because we want it and we want it bad. We’ll be able to deal with it,” the Pride keepers explained. [Pressure] is nothing we can’t handle. We’ve got really experienced players on this team who are willing to step up and hopefully we see that on Saturday.”
Harris’ unwavering confidence in her team is reinforced by the Pride’s 4-0-1 record and +9 goal differential since her return to the lineup.
The Pride captain also explained what it means to play this critical match within the confines of Orlando City Stadium:
“[Portland] is used to turf. It’s going to be very different playing on our type of field and, to be fair, it’s really hard coming to our Stadium,” Harris said. “It’s not an easy venue to play at and that’s why we have been so successful at home, so the ball is in our court at this point.”
“If I was them, I’d be scared to play us at home.”
NWSL Game of the Week: Orlando Pride vs. Portland Thorns
Orlando City Stadium, Sept. 23
Kickoff 3:30 p.m.
Get your tickets here
