Ride the Wave
The Pride’s victory at Sky Blue last weekend was their first of the 2019 season and the first in the Marc Skinner era. It also served as the first since July 14 of last season and the first time the Pride have earned back-to-back results since July of last year, after earning a 2-2 draw in Houston on June 15.
Golazo No. 100
Forward Chioma Ubogagu registered her first goal of the season in the Pride’s 2-1 victory at Sky Blue on Saturday by converting from the penalty spot. The goal served as the 100th for the Pride in the regular season in the Club’s history and the 10th for Ubogagu in her NWSL career. Nine of those goals have come with the Pride over her 50 appearances with the Club.
Against the Opposition...
The Pride earned their first two results in Club history against the Chicago Red Stars last season, both on the road at Toyota Park. Their first win against Sunday’s opposition came on May 2 of last year in a 2-0 victory, followed by a commanding 5-2 win later that month on May 26. The road team won each of the three matches between the two sides last year, with Chicago earning a 3-1 victory at Orlando City Stadium on August 25, 2018.
Marisa Viggi[OWN]o
Midfielder Marisa Viggiano forced an own goal in last Saturday’s match that served as the eventual game-winner against Sky Blue FC. The rookie midfielder drove into the box past four defenders before sending the ball into the area that deflected off Sky Blue defender Gina Lewandowski into the back of the net. The goal served as the second own-goal in favor of the Pride in Club history, with the first coming in the Pride’s inaugural home match as a Club on April 23, 2016 in a 3-1 victory over the Houston Dash.
Pride’s Pride Night
On Sunday, Orlando will host its annual Pride Night, with the team sporting one-of-a-kind jerseys with rainbow numbers. Following the match, the jerseys will be auctioned off to support the diversity initiatives of the Orlando City Foundation. In addition, the Club will be selling a Pride-themed game day poster designed by defender Erin Greening, specialty “Pride in our City” merchandise will be available for purchase, as well as a limited-edition CityiD patch.
World Cup Watch
- Australian internationals Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond both appeared in the starting XI for the Matildas in their Round of 16 matchup against Norway. After regulation play ended in a 1-1 deadlock, the match went into an extra time period. Kennedy was sent off in the 104th minute after receiving a second yellow, while van Egmond was subbed off in the 116th. The Matildas fell in penalty kicks, with Norway winning the shootout by a score of 4-1.
- Brazilian forward Marta played the entirety of her nation’s Round of 16 match against host nation France. That match went into extra time after a 1-1 finish in regulation, but French captain Amandine Henry found the back of the net in the 107th minute for the game-winner to end Brazil’s World Cup run. Orlando Pride forward Camila did not appear in the match for Brazil.
- The United States continued their World Cup journey by defeating Spain 2-1 in the Round of 16. Orlando Pride forward Alex Morgan appeared in the starting XI for the defending World Cup champions, while Pride teammates goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris and defender Ali Krieger were not featured. The U.S. will face host nation France in the Quarterfinal round on Friday.
- Orlando Pride defender Shelina Zadorsky played the entirety of Canada’s Round of 16 match against Sweden on Monday. The Canadians fell 1-0 to the Swedes on the afternoon, ending their run in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
