Breaking the Deadlock
The Pride and Reign have played to five consecutive draws dating back to May 21, 2017. The two drew twice in 2017 and three times last season, playing to two 1-1 results on both April 28 and July 21 with goals from Marta and Toni Pressley, respectively, and a scoreless draw on June 3. Prior to the beginning of this streak, the two split the series in 2016, both taking earning a victory at home. Overall, the Pride hold a 1-1-5 record against Sunday’s opposition.
TIME 100
On Wednesday, Orlando Pride forward Alex Morgan was named to the TIME 100 for 2019, a list that recognizes the most influential pioneers, leaders, titans, artists and icons of the year. Referred to on the list as a titan, Morgan’s excerpt was written by U.S. WNT legend Mia Hamm. She is joined alongside athletes the likes of Mo Salah, Lebron James and Tiger Woods. Morgan’s combination of her impressive play on the field and her continued work off of it in the fight for equality can be attributed to her recognition.
The Captain Delivers
Ashlyn Harris continued to be the highlight for the Pride in the short season on Wednesday at North Carolina. Harris registered eight saves on the night to add to her six in the season opener. Her 14 saves through the first two games of the season is tied for a career-high, recording the same number through two games in 2015 while playing for the Washington Spirit. She sits now as the league-leader in registered saves, doubling the total of the closest behind her in Michelle Betos of Reign FC. Harris is just three appearances shy of her 100th NWSL appearance, recording her 97th this past Wednesday.
Milestone Tracker
Midfielder Alanna Kennedy registered her 60th NWSL appearance on Wednesday in her season debut in North Carolina. The Australian has now appeared in 45 matches for the Pride in her three seasons with the Club.
Registering her 49th appearance for the Pride on Wednesday, forward Alex Morgan is now one shy of her 50th in purple. Morgan registered her 85th NWSL appearance overall in this week’s midweek contest.
Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris currently sits at 97 all-time NWSL appearances.
Taking to Tacoma
On Sunday, both the Pride and the Reign will play their first-ever march in Tacoma. After playing the last six seasons in downtown Seattle, the Reign relocated to Tacoma during the most recent offseason. Sunday will mark the home opener for Reign FC and will be the first time either team play a regular season match at Cheney Stadium.
