The Orlando Pride. Perennial also-rans since 2017, finally look like they could be on to something. And no one is talking about it. At least, not outside of Orlando. And Seb Hines won’t mind that at all.
The team are slowly building a style of play, based around solid possession and quick transitions. They’re an attractive watch, even in defeat. The Pride’s recent reversal in Chicago, was nothing short of a travesty for those of a purple persuasion. Seb Hines’ team amassed 19 attempts on goal, had 54% of the overall play and created 4 big chances according to fotmob.com.
Unwanted habits
It was a game they dominated from start to finish and didn’t win. It’s becoming something of an unwanted habit. A momentary lapse at the back, combined with some profligate finishing at the other end, meant that Orlando left the game with nothing to show for their efforts. When asked about the number of missed chances after the game, Hines told the assembled press:
“Yeah it’s frustrating of course because we’re not just talking about half chances. We’re talking about clear-cut opportunities. There was some really good deliveries in the box, some opportunities from distance and I think [Alyssa] Naeher had probably the game of her season so far so it’s a tough one. It’s a tough pill to swallow because we were so dominant in the game, being from the first half to the second half and to come away with zero points is disappointing.”
That's a dub for the Red Stars at home 🏠 pic.twitter.com/eCnOaTrGh5
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 28, 2023
Despite this defeat, the goal is still very much play-off soccer, come the end of an NWSL season that will, again, be interrupted by the FIFA World Cup. Hines said: “The message (after the game) was if we want to be a top team competing in, obviously the playoffs, we have to win games like this. It’s a reminder that we can’t take the foot off the gas. We can’t take anyone for granted. Whether it’s Washington at home in front of our fans or coming away to Chicago, sitting bottom of the table, every game is a tough game in this league. It’s a reminder that we have to keep going. We have to keep fighting and challenging and all the words that I’ve used in the past, we have to keep reinforcing that message”.
Team culture
Culture, and reinforcing the messages Hines referenced after the Chicago game, are key to the Pride’s mini-revival. The players regularly socialise together and have formed close bonds. The atmosphere at training is, often as jovial as it competitive and, frankly, serious. This is a team that wants to win.
Getting recruitment right
The Pride’s off-season recruitment focused on youth, with a smattering of stardust in the form of Adriana, which was a source of frustration for some supporters. A fan base that’s used to seeing the likes of Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris strut their stuff, has had to adjust to a more pragmatic and ultimately, youthful approach to recruitment. More additions are expected.
Rumours abound that Arsenal’s Rafaelle Souza could be about to join the club. Sporting Her understands that a deal is close between the concerned parties. We’re now just waiting for confirmation. The fan’s frustration was understandable. This is a club that hasn’t been to the play-offs since 2017. And, if we’re being honest, has never looked like getting there. Until now.
Play-offs?
The Pride are slowly developing an identity. There’s a style, a cohesion to the way they play. The Pride currently rank 4th in big chances created and complete a steady 289 passes a match so far this season. The performances of Mikayla Cluff and Vivianna Villacorta in midfield have been integral. Cluff has a pass success rate of 82% and a tackle success rate of 60%. Her positioning and distribution allows Orlando to get forward, especially down the sides. The sight of her picking up passes from Haley McCutcheon and Kylie Strom, and quickly playing them in down the flanks, is a common one.
Meanwhile Villacorta’s ball carrying is a joy to behold at times. She’s constantly looking forward, playing more passes into forward areas than any other area of the pitch (31.5%). Players like Messiah Bright and Summer Yates are really starting to come into their own. Anna Moorhouse has established herself in goal, whilst the defensive unit looks like one of the stronger backlines in the league.
The problem, at times, has been taking those chances. The Chicago game was an excellent example of the Pride’s failure to take the chances they created. As was the goalless draw in New Jersey, as Orlando missed 4 guilt edged opportunities to seal the win. A statement win over the Washington Spirit was sandwiched between the two results.
You get the feeling, that if Orlando can start to take a few more of the scoring chances they’re creating, their play-off exile could be due to come to a long overdue conclusion.
Written by Dan Berridge
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