Bay FC ready to end Orlando Pride’s unbeaten streak in high-stakes NWSL clash

The 2024 NWSL season is now at the most decisive moment, and the match between Orlando Pride and Bay FC is literally a fight in every sense of the word. It is not going to be just another match but rather a defining point for both teams. To Bay FC, this is an ambitious expansion team that needs a chance to prove they belong in the big leagues. In the process, Orlando Pride are at risk of losing their unbeaten streak on the line, as well as a guaranteed quarterfinal spot.

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Unbeaten Run of Pride

Orlando Pride has to face the league toppers with a great form in the backline. The team has allowed just one goal against them to be scored in the last eight games. Even more telling, they haven't seen a goal scored against them in their last four games. This great feat of keeping isn't an accident, and a lot of it goes to the sure hands of Anna Moorhouse. She is just one clean sheet away from breaking the record for most shutouts in a single season in the NWSL-a historic mark.

The Orlando defense is a wall, but that is not all they are about. In attack, forward Barbra Banda has been on fire since she joined the team. She has never lost any of the 16 games she has played for Pride, showing how tactically important she is and how she can change the course of the game. Her mix of speed, skill, and deadly presence in the box has made her very crucial to the teams' success.

Another player to look out for is great Marta. Brazilian is just one assist from 20 in the NWSL-a remarkable feat because of her staying power and influence on U.S. soccer. If Banda's next goal means she ties Marta for the record with most goals in a single season for Pride, 13 total. Little internal rivalry for the record might be the needed charge for the team to seal another win.

Bay FC Mission

On the other side, Bay FC does have some weapons to put up a fight. Although being a lot lower in the standings, this Californian team shouldn't be treated as a joke. With two wins and one draw in the last three games, Bay FC does seem to grow, especially with the forward Asisat Oshoala leading the attack. The Nigerian veteran has scored in consecutive games and is determined to keep that alive. She is a daunting presence on the field for any defense, and she will surely be one of the influential players in the game for breaking the Pride defensive wall.

Bay FC is still trying to find their feet in the NWSL, and this could probably be an opportunity to do so, especially back home at PayPal Park. The team also expects to pull some surprises for a start, hence making full use of the home crowd and atmosphere. Notably, this will be the first time that Pride travels to Northern California to play Bay FC, therefore making it even extra special.

The Last Meeting

When these two teams met earlier in the season, Orlando Pride came out on top as Adriana sealed the deal with a penalty goal to win 1-0. Indeed, it was close, but pride dominated, outshooting Bay FC 25 to 6. That amount of dominance speaks volumes about Pride's superior quality, though it also should be used as some kind of lesson for Bay FC because they'll need to change their defense if they want to balance the scales this Friday.

That was then, as Bay FC has since altered. Coming into this on the back of an unbeaten streak of three games, the team seems to have gotten into a rhythm and an identity on the pitch. Anna Moorhouse perhaps presents the biggest test for Oshoala and Co., but if Bay FC can break through Pride's defensive pattern-the result might just be an upset of monumental proportions.

What's at Stake?

A win on Friday for Orlando Pride secures a spot in the NWSL top 4 and gives them home-field advantage in the quarterfinals. This is a key factor in such a competitive league, and Pride will no doubt take the field with this objective in mind.

This match is very important for Bay FC, too. While they are far from competing at the top, every point means a lot to them since it leads them into a more comfortable position in the table and a good way to set a base for themselves for the coming season. Moreover, beating the unbeaten Pride would be an affirmanation by Bay FC that this expansion team is ready to mix it with the league's best.