NWSL: Orlando Pride – 2017 Season Preview

After a disappointing 2016 season, the Orlando Pride are set to make a push for the playoffs in 2017.

The news of Brazilian star, Marta, signing a two-year deal with the Pride has supporters optimistic for the Florida club’s upcoming season. The club returns most of its unit this season, as well as a few new key additions, as they look to improve on last season’s record and push for a first ever playoff appearance.

A Recap of 2016

Record: 6-1-13

Finishing Position: 9th

It was a decent start to 2016 for the Pride, they won four of their first six fixtures and looked poised to make it to the postseason. However, they quickly fell apart going on losing streaks of three and five matches in the weeks that follow. Additionally, the Olympics hurt them as they lost a key players to international duty, and didn’t have the depth to recover.

The Pride were extremely poor on the road, posting a record of 1-1-8, and were outscored seven to 19. At home, they were 5-0-5, outscoring their opponents 13 to 11.

The leading scorers were Alex Morgan and Jasmyne Spencer, who both scored four goals. In total, the Pride only managed to score 20 goals, which put them eighth in the league in that stat category. On the reverse side, they let in 30 goals which tied for seventh worst in the NWSL.

In short, the inaugural season for the club did not go as supporters had hoped it would, but there is a reason for hope in 2017.

Transfers In:

• Alanna Kennedy (Western New York Flash) D
• Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit) D
• Camila Periera (Tiradentes) D
• Chioma Ubogagu (Houston Dash) F
• Marta M (FC Rosengard)

Transfers Out:

• Sarah Hagen F
• Sam Witteman M
• Lisa De Vanna F

Draft

• Danica Evans F (University of Colorado)
• Nickolette Driesse M (Penn State)

2017 Predictions

It could be a special season for the club in 2017. The new additions have the potential to carry this club to the postseason and post a decent record over the upcoming 22-match season.

Defensively, the Pride could have one of the best backlines in the NWSL. It will be likely comprised of Alanna Kennedy, Steph Catley, Laura Alleway and Ali Kreiger all of whom are experienced players. After a difficult defensive season in 2016, it would be surprising not to see this seasonend with a drop in goals allowed.

Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris, as seen playing with the United States Women’s National Team lately, and will be a key component of the club’s success.

In the midfield, the addition of Marta will add another dimension to the Pride’s attack. The Brazilian is quick and elusive and has the ability to find the final ball. She will be a valuable asset to the club and should produce plenty of highlight reel plays.

Up top, the Pride will be without Morgan until June. The USWNT striker is currently playing France for Olympique Lyonnais and has done quite well in her recent appearances for the French club. She will be match fit when she returns and should have an instant impact for the club.

Spencer will likely be the number one option up top until Morgan returns. She had a decent campaign in 2016 and new addition Chioma Ubogagu could see some minutes as well.

For supporters, the Pride will have a brand new stadium to call home in 2017. Orlando City Stadium is already turning heads in Major League Soccer and is sure to be a vibrant atmosphere for NWSL matches as well.

Bottom line, Pride supporters should be excited about the season, the new-look backline should help the club’s chances of success immensely. Marta is the top signing in club history and is sure to bring in lots of energy in the midfield. With no major international breaks in 2017, the likes of Morgan and Kreiger and others will be more readily available for selection. The playoffs look like a likely destination for the Pride.

NWSL 2017 Team Previews

• Boston Breakers